Babaamaajimowinan (Telling of news in different places)

ANGEL FOUNDATION COMMITS TO $25,000 GRANT TO NATIVE AMERICANS FACING CANCER DIAGNOSIS

Funds will be distributed via a new partnership with the American Indian Cancer Foundation

Mendota Heights, Minn. --- Angel Foundation is stepping forward to partner with Minnesota’s Native American community by providing resources and creating solutions to the challenges Native Americans face around cancer and health equity.

Angel Foundation announced they will invest $25,000 for basic needs grants to Native American families impacted by cancer by the end of 2021. These measurable actions are part of a greater Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion strategy over the next several years.

Minnesota is home to 11 sovereign American Indian Nations and more than 60,000 Native American people. According to the Minnesota Department of Health, the Native American population has the highest rate of cancer incidence and the highest rate of poverty by ethnicity in the state. This creates a sense of urgency for basic needs and tools to help with cancer related financial toxicity.

Currently, only 2% of Angel Foundation’s total client base is Native American. Angel Foundation intends to grow their support for this community exponentially in the next two years through partnerships like the one they have undertaken with the American Indian Cancer Foundation.

Recently, Angel Foundation gathered a panel of experts from the Native American community to introduce the crucial topic of cancer and health equity challenges for Native Americans. Panelists included Dr. Antony Stately (Ojibwe/Oneida), CEO of the Native American Community Clinic; Melissa Buffalo, MS (Meskwaki & Dakota), CEO of the American Indian Cancer Foundation; and Arne Vainio, M.D. (Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe), Family Practice Physician.

The forum launched Angel Foundation’s commitment to culturally sensitive care and engagement with the Native American community and addressed the growing need around social determinants of health in our state. Angel Foundation’s new partnership with the American Indian Cancer Foundation (AICAF) will link their resources to tribal communities throughout Minnesota.

"We are thrilled to partner with the Angel Foundation," said AICAF CEO Melissa Buffalo, MS (Meskwaki & Dakota). "Our organizations share a strong dedication to providing support, education, and other assistance to our relatives as they begin their cancer journey. Partnerships such as this will help to change and improve health outcomes for countless lives."

Dave Becker, President and CEO of Angel Foundation stated, “We could not think of a better ally and partner to work with in our giving circle than the American Indian Cancer Foundation. The funds will be used to help adults facing cancer and their families with basic needs for families in the midst of cancer treatment.”

About Angel Foundation

Angel Foundation has helped meet the needs of Twin Cities adults with cancer and their families for 20 years. The non-profit offers two programs: Emergency Financial Assistance and Facing Cancer Together. Since its founding, Angel Foundation has provided more than $10 million in emergency financial assistance grants to nearly 30,000 patients. Angel Foundation supports families in need via emergency financial assistance grants, education, and programs for social and emotional support. In the past two years, the increase of Angel Foundation grantees requesting help with groceries has increased by 75%, largely due to the COVID-19 pandemic. http://www.mnangel.org.

 

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