LLS’s Equity in Access Research Program Awards Five New Grants to Researchers Across the U.S. Aiming to Break Down Barriers to Care for Blood Cancer Patients and Survivors
The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) Equity in Access Research Program has awarded $3.8 million to researchers investigating ways to ensure that all patients with and survivors of a blood cancer achieve access to the cancer care and services they need throughout their lives, particularly for groups which data have shown experience more barriers than others in obtaining the right diagnosis and treatments.
Findings from these studies may ultimately lead to better health outcomes by identifying steps policymakers can take to increase equitable access to quality and affordable blood cancer care and reduce disparities. LLS will strive to transform these recommendations into state and federal policy proposals that its Office of Public Policy will work to implement.
"Disparities in cancer outcomes are often rooted in structural disadvantages or discrimination related to patients' racial or ethnic group, religion, socioeconomic status, gender, mental health, disability, sexual orientation, geographic location, or other factors which can be barriers to accessing healthcare for those with a blood cancer,” said Eric Cooks, PhD, Senior Director, Equity in Access Research Program at LLS. factors contributing to unequal access to care across the cancer care continuum—and to identify solutions we can urge lawmakers and those in the healthcare industry to adopt. Together, we want to put an end to these disparities."
Today, LLS is announcing the Equity in Access Research Program’s second cohort of award recipients — a group of outstanding health services researchers who have received $3.8 million in combined funding:
“LLS is building on the success of the program’s first group of award recipients,” said Cooks.we were able to more than double the award total from last year, thanks to the generosity of our donors.”
LLS proudly and gratefully acknowledges the leadership support of Royalty Pharma and the following companies for their support of the Equity in Access Research Program and other initiatives focused on reducing healthcare disparities in blood cancer care and treatment: AMGEN Oncology, Bristol Myers Squibb, GSK, and Takeda Oncology.
The Equity in Access Research Program is one of many efforts LLS spearheads as part of its steadfast and longstanding commitment to health equity. LLS staff and volunteers continue to advocate for changes in the law that minimize barriers to care for patients and promote equitable care. For example, after a decade of LLS advocacy, Congress passed an annual $2,000 cap on Medicare beneficiaries’ drug costs—limiting the costs facing 49 million patients. And we continue to work to ensure that everyone has access to clinical trials—including the 50% of children in the United States on Medicaid, including many children of color, and who often cannot access out-of-state clinical trials.
LLS has also released two Requests for Proposals (RFPs) for the Equity in Access Research Program, focused on how insurance affects access to care and strategies to increase clinical trial accrual and diversity. Researchers who may be interested in applying can find more information here.