Background and Context: The Cancer Care Package program was established in early 2011 in Tennessee, USA. Cancer Care Package is an essential program for those cancer patients with low income, or no income, across United States. The packages are created to offer quick and sustaining aid which include supplies such as personal care items, clothing, over the counter medications, and other available products all of which will help alleviate the patient’s and families’ struggles during their difficult period.
Aim: To distribute the requested products for economically challenged cancer patients and their household, free of charge
Strategy/Tactics: Cancer patient or guardian submit the request for products, which are then shipped bimonthly, up to six packages per year per patient.
Programme/Policy Process: Patients must be verified by medical professional about their current cancer diagnosis
Outcomes/What was learned: According to the number of Cancer Care Packages shipment during the first quarter of 2014, the cancer patients across the United States have received free Cancer Care Packages which the average value 319.73 US Dollars per package (value does not include the priority shipping cost). This means the cancer patient and family could save on average spending expenses of 1,918.38 US Dollars per patients. This amount is equivalent of roughly 264 working hours with the US federal minimum wage rate at 7.25 US Dollars.
The packages are shipped via United Stated Postal Service in the large priority mail packages to patients in 38 states by the end of the year 2013.
The top requested products are categorized as personal hygiene care items, OTC medication, clothing, and computer laptops.