Hair loss is a common side effect of chemotherapy treatments. Through a grant from the American Cancer Society, patients are provided a gift card that covers the cost of the wigs the program offers. Patients are able to look through the selection of wigs available online, use their gift card to purchase a wig directly and have it sent to their home.

In addition, wigs are donated to the Cancer Center. Patients can schedule a time to visit the “wig closet” and choose from those on hand. These wigs are provided to patients at no cost, and there is no wait to get the physical wig. They can select a wig and wear it home the same day.

An additional grant from the American Cancer Society allows the Cancer Center to provide transportation assistance. The $25,000 grant is to be dispersed among qualified patients. The distribution is handled primarily through the donation of gas cards. McClain says it can be challenging for some patients to get to multiple appointments, and paying for each trip adds to the cost of treatments. Gas cards are meant to ease that financial burden. The amount provided for each gift card varies based on the mileage calculated from the patient’s home to their appointment location.

Another component of the transportation assistance program is a partnership with the Jacksonville Transportation Authority, or JTA. Patientsare given a bus pass that allows them to ride the bus to their appointments. In the event a patient is unable to transport themselves, cancer services can assist with coordinating pick up and drop off through JTA Connexion.

The Medication Assistance Program typically assists patients who are uninsured or have insurance with little to no coverage for high-costmedications. Social workers and financial reps are available to assist patients in applying for these programs.