Initiative Aims to Eliminate Disparities in Cancer Treatment

KCMS Foundation's Initiative Aims to Eliminate Disparities in Cancer Treatment

Through the Cancer Care Access Initiative, the Kansas City Medical Society Foundation is dedicated to achieving equitable care for all people in our community, irrespective of their insurance coverage, immigration status, or other barriers they may face in accessing treatment.

The Foundation’s approach is rooted in systems change theory. A select group of diverse stakeholders will assess and address barriers to cancer care. This community-based collaborative will identify solutions to cancer treatment disparities, engaging with community partners to realize this mission.

Medical Society Foundation’s Initiative Aims to Eliminate Disparities in Cancer Treatment

Through the Cancer Care Access Initiative, the Kansas City Medical Society Foundation is dedicated to achieving equitable care for all people in our community, irrespective of their insurance coverage, immigration status, or other barriers they may face in accessing treatment. The Foundation’s approach is rooted in systems change theory. A select group of diverse stakeholders will assess and address barriers to cancer care. This community-based collaborative will identify solutions to cancer treatment disparities, engaging with community partners to realize this mission.

Breaking Down Barriers

The Kansas City Medical Society Foundation recognized barriers to seeking cancer care that must be addressed. Many individuals delay or forego seeking medical attention due to:

Lack of insurance coverage
Financial constraints
Insufficient income
Immigration status concerns

Recent data shows us that the uninsured rate in Missouri is 8.9% and in Kansas is 10.2%. Based on total population of both states, it is estimated that there are tens of thousands of uninsured individuals in the Kansas City Metro area. These numbers only include legal residents, which means there are many more.

The Kansas City Medical Society Foundation is taking a significant and proactive step towards achieving equitable cancer care through its initiative. The completed groundwork represents the commencement of crucial conversations that shed light on the diverse challenges individuals encounter when seeking cancer treatment. The Cancer Care Access Initiative will address these challenges with practical and achievable solutions.

As this initiative progresses, it is important to remember that equitable cancer care is a collective responsibility. It requires the efforts of the medical community and the public to create an inclusive healthcare system. We must work together to eliminate disparities in cancer care and ensure that everyone has access to treatment.

If you, or someone from your organization, is interested in discussing this initiative, please contact Kristi Neff, Director of Health Access with the Kansas City Medical Society Foundation at 913-907-7271 or by email at KNeff@kcmedicine.org.

< Older Post Newer Post >

Letter from the President 2025

January 6, 2025

I consider it a sincere honor to serve as president of the Kansas City Medical Society this year. As we look forward to this new year, we celebrate our previous accomplishments and look for new ways to meet the challenges of our ever-changing healthcare environment. As we recognize our recent successes, I want to take the opportunity to thank Dr. Greg Unruh, our immediate past president, for his excellent leadership, and I look forward to his continued partnership, providing much-needed wisdom and experience to our board of directors as well as a leadership council. I am also deeply appreciative of Micah Flint, our executive director, now in his third year with the Society. As a board, we are prioritizing key areas where we believe the Society can make a difference for physicians and the communities we serve. With this in mind, we will continue our focus on wellness, advocacy, and expand our opportunities for in person social and educational gatherings. Our journal connects us in a variety of valuable ways, and we will continue its publication and expand its distribution. Under the directorship of Karole Bradford, the Society’s Foundation continues to do invaluable work. We celebrate those accomplishments and the charitable care they provide to our community’s vulnerable population. We are grateful for our individual members and corporate sponsors and welcome your suggestions of how the Society can best serve physicians and our community. Please mark your calendar for the Society’s upcoming events and consider inviting physician colleagues to join you as we gather to learn and support one another.