How Supportive Cancer Care is Reaching Rural Howard County

BRANDED CONTENT, REGIONAL HEALTH SERVICES OF HOWARD COUNTY - Regional Health Service of Howard County and City of Hope expand rural cancer care through telehealth, travel support and faster referrals, helping families like Jeremiah's access treatment. When Jeremiah, a resident of a rural town in Howard County, was diagnosed with blood cancer, he and his family faced two challenges at once. Not only did they have to deal with the fear and uncertainty of a cancer diagnosis, but their positioning in a small town posed barriers to receiving the best care. After several tests and failed treatment plans, doctors determined cancer was responsible for a nagging rib injury that Jeremiah was seeking treatment for. He and his family contacted multiple oncology offices to receive an official diagnosis, only to be told it would take up to six weeks for a consultation. For patients facing serious diagnoses, waiting weeks on end and traveling long distances for appointments can feel unbearable. With issues like Jeremiah's in mind, Regional Health Services of Howard County (RHSHC) began a partnership with City of Hope Coordinated Cancer Care in Zion, Illinois, to bring oncology services to the surrounding rural area. Under City of Hope's care, Jeremiah's consultation, diagnostic testing and treatment initiation were conducted in the same five-week period. Jeremiah's cancer journey highlights how coordinated care, telehealth follow-ups and travel support help rural patients access timely treatment while staying connected to care close to home. While Jeremiah and his family still had to travel, City of Hope was accommodating, and their experience on-site provided reassurance during a difficult time. "What really made us decide to stay with City of Hope despite the trip was how we were treated," said Abby, Jeremiah's wife. "I expected them to care for Jeremiah and be in tune with his needs, but what I was most surprised by was how they support the family and caregivers of the patients." Since 2020, RHSHC has partnered with City of Hope to strengthen access to attentive oncology care for as many rural families as possible. The partnership not only increases accessibility for patients but also integrates specialized oncology offices and promotes cancer education and training in practices across Howard County. "Through education and ongoing support, City of Hope also helps rural clinicians stay current on best practices, ultimately improving patient outcomes while supporting the sustainability of rural hospitals," said Katie Rieks, chief nursing officer at RHSHC. Oncology referrals without leaving the communityCity of Hope is anchored by its flagship hospital in California, which was named a top 10 hospital for cancer care in the country by the U.S. News & World Report's 2025-26 rankings for the fourth consecutive year. With locations in Illinois, Arizona and Georgia, City of Hope's efforts to expand cancer care emerged from longstanding geographic disparities in access to oncology resources. Rieks discussed that many evidence-based care pathways for various cancers are traditionally available only at larger facilities, which tend to be based in bigger cities. City of Hope works against this imbalance by allocating equipment, educational resources and staff to RHSHC medical offices. "The collaboration promotes ongoing education, training and knowledge‑sharing between local providers and City of Hope specialists, helping ensure that patients in northeast Iowa receive the most current, research‑informed approaches to cancer care without the burden of long‑distance travel," said Rieks. Cancer travel assistance reduces distance barriersThe City of Hope partnership specifically uses telehealth follow-up appointments and localized treatments to support rural cancer care access. To begin the process, patients travel to City of Hope's main office in Zion for scans and biopsies. City of Hope offers mileage compensation if driving from Howard County, as well as flight coverage if driving is too difficult. After arriving in Zion, patients can stay at one of the three hotels owned by City of Hope and enjoy free breakfast, lunch and dinner meal vouchers at the hotel after every appointment. City of Hope also offers field trips and opportunities to participate in community events for the families staying in Zion to ease the stress of the situation and stay busy. "During Jeremiah's stem cell transplant process, we were in Illinois for 59 days. During those 59 days I was cared for just as much as Jeremiah was," said Abby. Following an official diagnosis and treatment plan at the main facility, City of Hope patients can follow up with oncologists over video conference. "These visits are completed in our Cresco Medical Clinic with a COH oncologist and one of our family medicine physicians," said Allison Busch, infusions coordinator at RHSHC. "Both physicians ensure the patient is in proper health to receive treatment locally." Closing the gap in rural cancer care accessAfter a patient is deemed eligible to receive local care, treatment continues close to home at RHSHC. "Patients can receive their cancer treatments right in the infusion center at RHSHC," said Busch. RHSHC also carries out lab studies and follow-up scans to ensure the treatment course is performing as planned. "We try to keep patient care local and limit travel as much as possible," Busch added. Jeremiah continued to receive treatment and monitoring at the Cresco Medical Clinic once he and his family returned from City of Hope's Zion facility. The partnership made sure to continue the same hands-on care throughout changing locations, even during his non-cancer-related emergencies. "I think this partnership works so well because both facilities really care about you," said Abby. "We always felt seen and heard by RHSHC and City of Hope." Branded Content produced by Regional Health Services of Howard County.