Cancer Treatment Access Impact in Hawaii
GrantID: 8799
Grant Funding Amount Low: $10,000
Deadline: Ongoing
Grant Amount High: $100,000
Summary
Grant Overview
Innovative Cancer Treatment Access in Hawaii
Hawaii faces significant barriers in accessing specialized cancer treatments due to its geographic isolation. The state’s islands make it challenging for residents to receive timely care, as many advanced treatment options are available only on the mainland. According to the Hawaii Department of Health, the average distance to a cancer treatment center can exceed 200 miles for the neighbor islands, creating disparities in care access and treatment timeliness.
Patients in Hawaii, particularly those living on the more remote islands like Molokai and Lanai, often face formidable challenges that complicate their journey to receive essential cancer care. This includes not only the travel distance but also the financial constraints associated with long-distance travel, which can deter patients from seeking timely consultations. Elders, particularly those in low-income brackets, are disproportionately affected as they may have limited mobility and resources to travel. Additionally, with a higher percentage of native Hawaiian populations suffering from cancer, disparities in access to care become even more pronounced.
To combat these issues, funding through the innovative telehealth initiative aims to bridge the healthcare gap for cancer patients in Hawaii. By providing access to virtual consultations with specialized oncologists on the mainland, this program ensures that patients can receive expert care without having to undergo potentially harmful delays caused by travel constraints. Telehealth pathways enable patients to engage with their healthcare providers regularly, receive timely follow-ups, and discuss treatment plans from the comfort of their own homes.
This funding supports the development of necessary technological infrastructure and training for healthcare providers to effectively utilize telehealth services. It plays a crucial role in ensuring that Hawaii's patients can navigate their treatment options efficiently while minimizing travel burdens. Furthermore, it facilitates continuity of care, allowing for the early identification of treatment responses and any potential complications that may arise throughout the patient’s journey. Hawaii's unique healthcare landscape thus transforms with the integration of telehealth, ensuring that despite geographical barriers, every patient has the opportunity to receive high-quality cancer treatment.
Eligible Regions
Interests
Eligible Requirements
