LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – Baptist Health Foundation was recently awarded a $3,000 mini grant from the American Cancer Society to provide travel assistance for cancer patients receiving treatment or related services. The grant is an extension of a previous award from 2025 and will continue to be funded into 2027 while funds last. Through this grant, Baptist Health Foundation can provide gas cards to low income patients to remove logistical obstacles so they can focus on receiving treatment and healing.
Cancer remains the second leading cause of death in Arkansas and with 41% of the population residing in rural Arkansas, it is important for patients to have access to transportation so they can attend their appointments. To bridge this gap, the gas cards will assist patients facing financial hardships. By addressing the physical distance between rural homes and urban care, this program removes critical barriers and empowers patients to prioritize their treatment without the burden of travel costs.
“In a state with rural communities, the distance between a patient’s home and their treatment center can be one of the most significant barriers to survival,” said HyeJin Son, PharmD, BCPS, corporate vice president for oncology services. “This support from the American Cancer Society is vital because it addresses the reality of cancer care today. Medical expertise only works if the patient can reach it. Providing gas cards and hotel stays is a tangible way we can provide equitable care to every patient regardless of where they live.”
To learn more about receiving gas cards, patients can talk to their local clinic or infusion center staff at any of our cancer center locations:
- Heber Springs: Baptist Health Cancer Center- Heber Springs (20 Baptist Health Dr)
- Little Rock: UAMS Baptist Health Cancer Clinic- Little Rock (9500 Kanis Rd, Suite 500)
- Little Rock: UAMS Baptist Health Infusion Center (9500 Kanis Rd, Suite 100)
- Monticello: Baptist Health Medical Center- Drew County Cancer and Infusion Center (778 Scogin Dr)
“Baptist Health Foundation is grateful that the American Cancer Society has extended this funding through 2027, recognizing the deep impact these resources have on our community,” said Janet K. Marshall, chief development officer. “At Baptist Health Foundation, our goal is to identify and fill the gaps in care. This grant ensures that we can continue to offer care to our low-income and rural patients, turning what was once a barrier into a clear path toward healing.”
To learn more about Baptist Health Foundation, visit baptisthealthfoundation.org or call (501) 202-1839.
About Baptist Health
For more than a century, Baptist Health has delivered all our best in health care through Christian compassion and innovative services. Baptist Health, Arkansas’ most comprehensive health care organization, is here For You. For Life. – with more than 300 points of access that include 12 hospitals; urgent care centers; a senior living community; over 75 primary and specialty care clinics; a college with studies in nursing and allied health; and a graduate residency program. It is also the largest private not-for-profit health care organization based in Arkansas, providing care through the support of approximately 12,000 employees, groundbreaking treatments, renowned physicians and community outreach programs. Baptist Health is certified as a Great Place to Work and is honored by Newsweek as one of America’s Most Admired Workplaces 2026. For more information about Baptist Health, visit Baptist-Health.org, call Baptist Health HealthLine at 1-888-BAPTIST or download the myBaptistHealth app. Find us on Facebook, YouTube and Instagram.