Learn more about our commitment to underserved communities.
Every single patient deserves the opportunity to receive the right cancer care at the right time and to live the fullest life possible.
At Blood Cancer United, we strive to ensure that all patients can get the healthcare, resources, and support they need.
Many patients—particularly those who are Black, Hispanic or Latino, rural residents, veterans and young adults—face circumstances that can make having cancer even more difficult.
Through outreach focused on these underserved patients and their families, Blood Cancer United aims to give patients the best opportunities to receive high quality care and support—no matter their age, their background or their geography.
Patients who get the right treatment, services, education and support—at the right time—have higher survival rates and better quality of life. And that’s why we’re compelled to act because the heart of our mission is saving and improving the lives of all patients facing blood cancer.
You can learn more about this work below. If you’re interested in partnering with us, please contact us.
Outreach to Black communities
Black Americans have at least double the incidence of myeloma as people of any other race or ethnicity. Yet many Black patients also face obstacles that stand in the way of getting the care they need. Although myeloma is the only blood cancer that disproportionately impacts Black communities, we are addressing disparities in access to care for Black individuals affected by all blood cancers.
Blood Cancer United works with national and community-based organizations, health centers, faith-based groups, and other trusted partners to improve awareness and education of all blood cancers in Black communities. Through this work, Blood Cancer United connects patients, survivors, and caregivers with the resources and education they need—and ultimately, helps improve patients’ outcomes and quality-of-life.
Outreach to Hispanic communities
Cancer is the leading cause of death among Hispanic and Latino people in the U.S., and Hispanic and Latino children have disproportionally higher rates of childhood leukemia, compared to other ethnic groups. Blood Cancer United is delivering critical, culturally responsive information and resources to this community by partnering with trusted institutions, including Spanish-language media, community health workers, consulates, and other important national and grassroots allies.
Blood Cancer United also develops and promotes quality Spanish-language education materials and resources through social media, in-person patient and community education programs, and other vehicles. Our efforts are raising awareness of blood cancer and increasing the number of bilingual and bicultural volunteers extending our reach across these communities.
Outreach to rural communities
For years, rural residents facing cancer have experienced worse survival rates than those living in cities, and those gaps are widening. That’s because rural patients often encounter unique challenges in getting timely, appropriate care, including fewer specialists in their communities and a lack of nearby clinical trials.
Our staff collaborates with community partners to provide rural patients with resources, information, and services they need. These collaborations allow us to do things like bring education programs to rural communities and provide patients with financial resources that enable them to travel to their care. Meanwhile, we’re developing and testing innovative solutions that will expand patients' ability to receive quality care – including clinical trials—closer to home.
Outreach to veterans
Nearly 56,000 veterans are diagnosed with cancer annually. Those who served in the military may have been exposed to chemicals or radiation that can contribute to blood cancer. Blood Cancer United serves those who served our country by providing them with resources designed to meet their particular needs.
We are partnering with the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) to find new ways to improve veterans’ access to clinical trials, within and outside the VA system. We’re also pioneering new programs that address veterans’ unmet healthcare needs. We offer support groups and peer-to-peer connections that bring veterans together to share their experiences. And we work with community partners to help find and create even more opportunities to support veterans nationwide.
Outreach to young adults
Blood cancer is a struggle for anyone. But it poses unique challenges for those ages 18 to 39, who face this disease while they’re also going through major life transitions. Moreover, young adults facing cancer often encounter financial obstacles and may have considerable mental health needs. Blood Cancer United supports young adults by not only providing resources but by creating and fostering a community of support.
We host creative and inspiring events and patient support programs for young adults in treatment and throughout survivorship. We also provide young adults with the information they need to navigate topics like dating, school and work, medical debt, and health insurance in a way that meets their needs.
Explore resources for patients, caregivers, and healthcare professionals