The Merck Foundation has announced the launch of a five-year, $20 million initiative designed to make cancer care more equitable in the United States. 

The Alliance for Equity in Cancer Care is focused on helping patients living in underserved communities receive timely access to high-quality, culturally responsive care. To that end, the foundation will provide grants to help nonprofit healthcare organizations develop and implement evidence-informed, innovative programs that advance equity in cancer care. Grantees include Boston Medical Center, Case Comprehensive Cancer Center at Case Western Reserve University, and Conquer Cancer Foundation of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (Conquer Cancer).

“The severity of the need to take action on advancing equity in cancer care cannot be overstated and will not be overlooked,” said Merck Foundation CEO Carmen Villar. “We must move with urgency and work together to provide all people living with cancer access to high-quality care and treatment. The creation of the alliance is an important step toward ensuring social determinants of health no longer factor into an individual’s ability to receive vital health care.” 

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