COVID-19 Underserved Outreach: Myeloma Link
Challenge
COVID-19 has highlighted health disparities, with underserved communities having limited access to effective healthcare with data showing higher death rates in African Americans with the diagnosis.
LLS recognized similar health disparities and diagnosis/death rates in the patients with the blood cancer myeloma.
African Americans have twice the incidence of myeloma as white Americans. Recent studies show that African Americans are significantly less likely to receive the latest treatments, and are more likely to experience treatment delays.
Actions
The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) is dedicated to helping African Americans with myeloma access the treatment and care they need and improving quality of life. LLS provides free tools and resources to help patients and caregivers navigate the treatment landscape more effectively and cope with the disease.
Myeloma Link, initially piloted in Atlanta and Washington, D.C., now serves 13 cities across the U.S. With the recognition of health disparities and the need for underserved communities to have access to the highest level of education, support and resources, Patient & Community Outreach Managers covering these cities have been relentless in efforts to build relationships in African-American communities while offering education and support even with the impact of COVID-19.
Outcomes
In this fiscal year alone, PCOMs have connected with media outlets, worked collaboratively with national black healthcare organizations, participated in virtual programs, held Myeloma Link education programming virtually, provided support for no contact community activities, held virtual myeloma patient education programs and worked collaboratively to establish training for program volunteers. We will expand programming to include education on all blood cancers. This expanded approach will allow LLS to serve and support more African Americans throughout the country by facilitating access to critical education, support resources and optimal treatment options, including clinical trials, for African Americans affected by any type of blood cancer.
Contact
Susan Goss Brown, Chief Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Officer LLS.
Quote
We are proud of our efforts to address the health disparities that impact people of color and other underprivileged populations. We serve them through our many services provided by LLS for patients – like Urgent Need Program, LLS Co-Pay Assistance Program, and Myeloma Link Program, a program that directly connects African American communities to free information and support.