The American Cancer Society is in “dire need” of Road To Recovery volunteers in West Maui.

Anna Mayeda, community manager of Health Initiatives for ACS’ Maui Field Office, explained that Road To Recovery volunteer drivers handle a simple but very important task: assisting cancer patients with rides.

Lanai patients who arrive in Lahaina by the ferry need ground transportation to medical centers in Central Maui for chemotherapy or radiation treatments.

There are also West Maui cancer patients who need ground transportation – possibly daily for weeks at a time.

While Maui Economic Opportunity and Kaunoa Senior Services offer rides, Road To Recovery drivers fill the gap that these community services may not be able to fulfill due to the patient’s treatment schedule or availability.

Road To Recovery is a nationwide volunteer program that assists cancer patients with ground transportation to their cancer treatments or medical appointments.

Access to care is critical for cancer patients to receive medical treatments, ACS reported, and transportation is especially needed in rural communities where public transportation is not available.

To serve as a volunteer driver for West Maui areas, call 244-5554 or 1-800-227-2345 for more information.

Patients who need a ride can call 1-800-227-2345. Three-day advance notice is required.

If you have the time and means, there are cancer patients in West Maui who need assistance.