July 2, 1999

Kelley Sweeney, an MGH oncology resource coordinator, speaks at the press conference.

The MGH, BWH, Faulkner Hospital and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute are among 10 hospitals that are participating along with six taxicab companies in a citywide effort to provide transportation for low-income, Boston-area cancer patients. Sponsored by Boston Mayor Thomas M. Menino and the Boston Public Health Commission, the "Boston Crusade Health Ride" program offers complimentary cab coupons to patients in need, providing them with free rides to and from local hospitals when other transportation is unavailable.

The program was announced at a press conference June 22 at Boston City Hall. Speaking on behalf of the Partners hospitals and Dana-Farber/Partners CancerCare, Samuel O. Thier, MD, president and CEO of Partners HealthCare, said: "This program will help give all Boston residents an equal chance in the treatment of this disease. And it will give our hospitals a valuable tool to ensure that life-saving cancer treatment is never out of reach and is always readily accessible to Boston residents."

The taxi coupon program will complement similar programs already in place and is part of Boston's "Crusade Against Cancer" initiative to educate Boston residents about cancer prevention, screening and treatment.