HealthLinc awarded $500K federal grant for cancer care and treatment

Valparaiso-based health care network HealthLinc will receive $500,000 to partner with National Cancer Institute-designated cancer centers to expedite patient access to cancer care and treatment.

The funding comes from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services through its Health Resources and Services Administration’s Accelerating Cancer Screening program. The grant was announced locally Wednesday by U.S. Rep. Frank J. Mrvan, D-Highland.

The Accelerated Cancer Screening program aims to improve access to cancer screenings and follow-up treatments in underserved areas, the congressman's office said in a news release.

“Congratulations to HealthLinc on this outstanding achievement to improve early cancer detection and ensure prevention and screening services are available for communities across our region," Mrvan said. "I will continue to support access to affordable health care services to improve the quality of life for everyone throughout our region.”

"This collaboration is a significant step forward in our mission to expedite patient access to critical cancer care and treatment, especially in underserved communities," HealthLinc CEO Melissa Mitchell said. "By improving access to life-saving cancer screenings, we are not only addressing a crucial healthcare gap; we are giving hope and a fighting chance to those who need it most."