Cancer Support Resources in Nebraska
Nebraska’s cancer care centers in Omaha and Lincoln, but patients in the Sandhills, the Panhandle, and western communities like North Platte and Scottsbluff often face drives of two to four hours for specialist visits. That east-west divide is the defining feature of cancer care in Nebraska — excellent resources concentrated along the I-80 corridor and a dramatically underserved western half of the state.
Omaha anchors Nebraska’s cancer care infrastructure. The Fred and Pamela Buffett Cancer Center at the University of Nebraska Medical Center is the state’s only NCI-designated comprehensive cancer center, offering advanced oncology, clinical trials, and extensive patient support programs. Nebraska Medicine and the broader UNMC system provide strong cancer care across the Omaha metro. For patients in eastern Nebraska, access to these resources is manageable. For patients in the Sandhills, the Panhandle, or the Republican River valley, the distance is measured in hours — and those hours add up week after week during active treatment.
Western Nebraska’s vast, sparsely populated geography is one of the most challenging cancer care environments in the Midwest. The Sandhills — a region of grass-covered dunes covering roughly 20,000 square miles — has some of the lowest population densities in the contiguous United States. Patients in this region may live 100 miles from the nearest hospital, let alone an oncologist. Scottsbluff and North Platte are regional anchors for the Panhandle and central Nebraska, respectively, but complex cancer diagnoses still typically require travel to Omaha or Lincoln. Driving through flat terrain can be faster than driving through mountains, but it is still exhausting and expensive over months of treatment.
Agricultural chemical exposure is a documented cancer risk factor in Nebraska’s farming communities. Herbicide and pesticide use in corn, soybean, and beef production has been linked to elevated rates of non-Hodgkin lymphoma, prostate cancer, and certain leukemias among farmers and farmworkers. Nebraska has one of the most intensive agricultural economies in the country, and many families have been farming the same land for generations — meaning exposure histories are long and the connection between occupation and diagnosis may not always be recognized. Organizations that work specifically with agricultural families are listed in this directory.
Nebraska’s meatpacking industry has created large Latino and immigrant communities in towns like Lexington, Schuyler, South Sioux City, and Grand Island. These communities have elevated uninsured rates, language barriers to healthcare navigation, and limited familiarity with available support programs. Bilingual outreach and culturally responsive patient navigation are important for reaching cancer patients in these communities.
Nebraska has a significant veteran population, with Offutt Air Force Base near Omaha and a large community of veterans settled across the state. Veterans facing cancer diagnoses connected to service may access VA oncology services through the VA Nebraska-Western Iowa Health Care System in Omaha and community-based clinics.
Whether you are a patient in treatment, a survivor moving forward, a caregiver holding it all together, or a social worker looking for referrals — this page is for you. Resources are organized starting with statewide programs, then by region.
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Showing all 105 resources
Statewide Resources
These organizations serve all of Nebraska — by phone, online, or through regional offices. Start here if you are unsure where to look.
American Cancer Society — Nebraska
📍 Statewide (office in Omaha)
The ACS provides free rides to treatment through Road to Recovery, a 24/7 helpline staffed by cancer information specialists, and connections to local support groups across Nebraska. Their Hope Lodge network in other cities may serve Nebraska patients traveling out of state for specialized treatment.
- 24/7 helpline: 1-800-227-2345
- Road to Recovery free transportation
- Support groups and online community
- Look Good Feel Better program
Who: All cancer patients, survivors, and caregivers
Cost: Free
Phone: 1-800-227-2345
CancerCare
📍 Statewide (phone and online)
Every counselor at CancerCare is a licensed oncology social worker. They provide free one-on-one counseling by phone, online support groups, and limited financial help for copays and transportation. No office visit needed — they serve anyone in Nebraska remotely.
- Individual counseling with oncology social workers
- Telephone and online support groups
- Financial assistance for treatment costs
- Caregiver-specific programs
Who: Cancer patients, caregivers, and bereaved loved ones
Cost: Free
Phone: 2-1-1
Nebraska Cancer Coalition
📍 Statewide
A statewide coalition of organizations, healthcare providers, and advocates working to reduce cancer burden across Nebraska. They coordinate the Nebraska Cancer Plan, connect patients to screening programs, and advocate for policy changes that improve cancer outcomes — particularly in underserved rural areas.
- Statewide cancer resource navigation
- Screening program coordination
- Cancer disparities advocacy
- Community education programs
Who: All Nebraskans affected by cancer
Cost: Free
Phone: 2-1-1
Nebraska DHHS — Every Woman Matters
📍 Statewide
Nebraska’s state-funded program providing free breast and cervical cancer screenings for uninsured and underinsured women. If cancer is detected, the program connects women to Medicaid treatment coverage through the Nebraska Breast and Cervical Cancer Treatment Act. This is one of the most important safety nets for low-income women in the state.
- Free mammograms and Pap tests
- Diagnostic follow-up services
- Medicaid enrollment after diagnosis
- Phone: 800-532-2227
Who: Uninsured/underinsured women ages 40-74
Cost: Free
Phone: 800-532-2227
Nebraska Medicaid
📍 Statewide
Nebraska expanded Medicaid in 2020 under the Heritage Health Adult Program. If you are uninsured and have a household income at or below 138% of the federal poverty level, you likely qualify. The application can be completed online through ACCESSNebraska, by phone, or at a local DHHS office.
- Full coverage for cancer treatment
- Prescription drug coverage
- ACCESSNebraska phone: 855-632-7633
Who: Low-income Nebraska residents
Cost: Free or very low cost
Phone: 855-632-7633
Patient Advocate Foundation
📍 Statewide (phone-based)
Provides case managers who work one-on-one with patients to resolve insurance denials, negotiate medical debt, and connect patients with copay assistance programs. They also offer a Co-Pay Relief Program for specific cancer diagnoses.
- Insurance appeals and denials help
- Medical debt negotiation
- Co-Pay Relief Program
- Phone: 800-532-5274
Who: All cancer patients with financial or insurance barriers
Cost: Free
Phone: 800-532-5274
Joe’s House
📍 Statewide (online directory)
An online resource helping cancer patients find affordable lodging near treatment centers. Especially valuable for rural Nebraska patients who must travel to Omaha or Lincoln for specialized treatment. Lists hotels, hospitality houses, and other options near major cancer centers.
- Searchable database of lodging near treatment centers
- Discounted hotel rates for patients
- Links to hospitality houses
Who: Cancer patients traveling for treatment
Cost: Free to search; lodging costs vary
Phone: 2-1-1
PAN Foundation (Patient Access Network)
📍 Statewide (phone-based)
Helps underinsured patients with out-of-pocket costs for specific cancer diagnoses. The PAN Foundation pays for copays, coinsurance, and deductibles related to FDA-approved treatments. Funding availability changes frequently, so apply early.
- Copay and coinsurance assistance
- Deductible coverage
- Phone: 866-316-7263
Who: Insured patients who cannot afford out-of-pocket costs
Cost: Free
Phone: 866-316-7263
Cancer Support Community — National (Serving NE)
📍 Statewide (online and phone)
Offers free online support groups, educational workshops, and a Cancer Support Helpline staffed by licensed counselors. Their distress screening program helps patients identify unmet needs. Particularly useful for Nebraskans in rural areas without local support group options.
- Cancer Support Helpline: 888-793-9355
- Online support groups and workshops
- Frankly Speaking About Cancer resources
- Caregiver support programs
Who: Cancer patients, survivors, and caregivers
Cost: Free
Phone: 888-793-9355
Camp CoHoLo
📍 Statewide (camp near Fremont, NE)
Camp CoHoLo (Courage, Hope, and Love) is a Nebraska-based camp for children who have or have had cancer, as well as their siblings. The camp provides a medically supervised environment where kids can enjoy traditional camp activities while connecting with peers who understand what they are going through.
- Summer camp for kids with cancer and siblings
- Medically supervised environment
- Family retreat weekends
- Year-round activities and events
Who: Children with cancer and their siblings (ages 6-17)
Cost: Free
Phone: 2-1-1
Nebraska Legal Aid
📍 Statewide
Provides free civil legal services to low-income Nebraskans, including help with insurance denials, disability applications, employment discrimination, and advance directives. Cancer patients often need legal help they do not realize is available — especially around FMLA, SSDI, and medical debt.
- Insurance denial appeals
- SSDI and SSI applications
- Advance directives and estate planning
- Phone: 877-250-2016
Who: Low-income Nebraska residents
Cost: Free
Phone: 877-250-2016
Food Bank for the Heartland
📍 Statewide (93 Nebraska counties)
The largest hunger-relief organization in Nebraska, distributing food through a network of hundreds of local agencies across 93 Nebraska counties. Cancer patients dealing with food insecurity — whether from treatment side effects, job loss, or medical bills — can access pantries throughout the state.
- Network of food pantries across Nebraska
- Mobile pantry program for rural areas
- BackPack and Kids Cafe programs
- Phone: 402-331-1213
Who: Anyone facing food insecurity
Cost: Free
Phone: 402-331-1213
Nebraska 2-1-1
📍 Statewide
Dial 2-1-1 from any Nebraska phone to reach trained specialists who can connect you with local resources for food, housing, transportation, financial assistance, and more. Available 24/7 with multilingual support. A good first call when you do not know where to start.
- 24/7 resource referral helpline
- Multilingual support
- Online searchable database
- Dial 2-1-1 or text your zip code to 898-211
Who: Anyone in Nebraska needing resource connections
Cost: Free
Phone: 2-1-1
VA Nebraska-Western Iowa Health Care System
📍 Statewide (Omaha, Lincoln, Grand Island clinics)
Veterans enrolled in VA healthcare have access to oncology services, including chemotherapy, radiation, and surgical referrals. The Omaha VA Medical Center provides comprehensive cancer care. Community-based outpatient clinics in Lincoln, Grand Island, Norfolk, and other cities can coordinate care for rural veterans.
- Oncology services at Omaha VAMC
- Community-based outpatient clinics statewide
- Transportation assistance for appointments
- Phone: 402-346-8800
Who: Eligible veterans
Cost: Free or copay-based depending on eligibility
Phone: 402-346-8800
Omaha Metro
Omaha is the center of cancer care in Nebraska, home to the state’s only NCI-designated cancer center and the majority of oncology specialists.
Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center (UNMC/Nebraska Medicine)
📍 Omaha
Nebraska’s only NCI-designated comprehensive cancer center, located at the University of Nebraska Medical Center. Beyond world-class treatment, the Buffett Cancer Center offers extensive patient support services including financial counseling, patient navigation, support groups, clinical trial access, and connections to community resources. Patients from across the state travel here for advanced care.
- Patient navigators and oncology social workers
- Financial counseling and assistance programs
- Support groups for patients and caregivers
- Clinical trials program
- Survivorship clinic
- Phone: 402-559-5600
Who: All cancer patients
Cost: Support services free; treatment costs vary
Phone: 402-559-5600
Gilda’s Club Omaha (Cancer Support Community)
📍 Omaha
Gilda’s Club provides a welcoming community for anyone affected by cancer — patients, family members, and friends. Their Omaha clubhouse offers support groups, educational lectures, wellness programs, and social activities in a warm, home-like setting. No referral needed, just walk in.
- Support groups for patients, caregivers, and children
- Noogieland program for kids affected by a family member’s cancer
- Wellness and nutrition workshops
- Social and networking events
Who: Anyone affected by cancer — patients, families, friends
Cost: Free
Phone: 2-1-1
Methodist Health System — Methodist Estabrook Cancer Center
📍 Omaha
Methodist Estabrook Cancer Center offers comprehensive cancer treatment along with robust support services. Their patient navigators help coordinate care and connect patients with financial assistance, support groups, and community resources. Their survivorship program provides long-term follow-up care.
- Patient navigation and care coordination
- Financial counseling
- Support groups and wellness programs
- Survivorship program
- Phone: 402-354-5100
Who: All cancer patients
Cost: Support services free; treatment costs vary
Phone: 402-354-5100
CHI Health — Oncology Services
📍 Omaha (multiple locations)
CHI Health operates multiple hospitals and cancer treatment facilities across the Omaha metro area, including CHI Health Lakeside, Creighton University Medical Center-Bergan Mercy, and Immanuel. They offer patient navigation, financial assistance through their charity care program, and support groups.
- Patient navigation services
- Charity care and financial assistance
- Support groups and counseling
- Multiple convenient locations
Who: All cancer patients
Cost: Support services free; financial assistance available
Phone: 2-1-1
Children’s Hospital & Medical Center — Pediatric Cancer Program
📍 Omaha
The primary pediatric cancer treatment center in Nebraska. Beyond clinical care, Children’s Hospital offers child life specialists, family support services, school re-entry programs, and social work support. Their oncology team works closely with families to address the full spectrum of needs during and after treatment.
- Child life specialists and play therapy
- Family support and social work services
- School re-entry coordination
- Sibling support programs
- Phone: 402-955-3950
Who: Children and adolescents with cancer
Cost: Support services free; treatment costs vary
Phone: 402-955-3950
Ronald McDonald House Charities — Omaha
📍 Omaha
Provides a home-away-from-home for families whose children are receiving treatment at Omaha hospitals. Families from across Nebraska and neighboring states stay here while their child undergoes cancer treatment at Children’s Hospital or UNMC. Rooms, meals, and family activities are provided.
- Free lodging near hospitals
- Family meals and kitchen facilities
- Sibling activities and family support
- Phone: 402-346-9377
Who: Families of children receiving medical treatment
Cost: Free
Phone: 402-346-9377
Leukemia & Lymphoma Society — Nebraska Chapter
📍 Omaha
The LLS Nebraska Chapter provides financial assistance, support groups, and educational resources for blood cancer patients. Their Information Resource Center connects patients with disease-specific information, and peer-to-peer support through the First Connection program pairs newly diagnosed patients with trained volunteers who have been through similar experiences.
- Financial assistance for treatment copays and travel
- First Connection peer support
- Patient education and information
- Phone: 402-344-2242
Who: Blood cancer patients and families
Cost: Free
Phone: 402-344-2242
Together, Inc.
📍 Omaha
Provides emergency assistance to Omaha-area residents facing crisis, including those dealing with cancer. Services include emergency food, rent and utility assistance, and case management. Cancer patients who have lost income or face unexpected expenses can get immediate help while longer-term solutions are arranged.
- Emergency food pantry
- Rent and utility assistance
- Case management and referrals
- Phone: 402-345-0777
Who: Omaha-area residents in crisis
Cost: Free
Phone: 402-345-0777
UNMC Patient and Guest Housing
📍 Omaha
Nebraska Medicine offers on-campus housing options for patients traveling to Omaha for treatment at the Buffett Cancer Center. This is especially important for patients from western Nebraska, the Sandhills, or the Panhandle who face drives of four or more hours each way. Social workers can help arrange lodging.
- On-campus lodging near treatment
- Reduced-rate hotel partnerships
- Social worker assistance with arrangements
Who: Out-of-town patients receiving treatment at UNMC
Cost: Reduced rates; financial assistance may be available
Phone: 2-1-1
Susan G. Komen Nebraska
📍 Omaha (serves statewide)
Komen Nebraska funds local breast cancer screening, treatment, and support programs. Their breast care helpline provides information and emotional support. They also fund community grants that help Nebraska organizations provide breast health services, particularly in underserved communities.
- Breast care helpline: 1-877-465-6636
- Community grants for screening and treatment
- Educational resources
- Treatment assistance referrals
Who: Breast cancer patients and those at risk
Cost: Free
Phone: 1-877-465-6636
Nebraska Respite Network
📍 Omaha (statewide services)
Provides respite care services for family caregivers across Nebraska. If you are caring for a cancer patient and need a break — even just a few hours — the Respite Network can connect you with trained respite providers. Caregiver burnout is real, and this service exists so you do not have to do it alone every day.
- In-home respite care
- Caregiver support and referrals
- Training for respite providers
- Phone: 402-444-6952
Who: Family caregivers of people with serious illness
Cost: Sliding scale; some services free
Phone: 402-444-6952
Alegent Health (CommonSpirit) — Cancer Financial Assistance
📍 Omaha metro
Part of the CommonSpirit Health system, the former Alegent Health hospitals in the Omaha area offer charity care programs and financial assistance for cancer patients who qualify. Social workers can help patients navigate applications for coverage and connect with pharmaceutical patient assistance programs.
- Charity care program
- Financial counseling
- Pharmaceutical assistance connections
- Social work referrals
Who: Uninsured and underinsured cancer patients
Cost: Free to apply; assistance based on income
Phone: 2-1-1
Metro Area Transit (MAT) — Medical Transportation
📍 Omaha metro
Omaha’s public transit system offers MOBY paratransit services for people who cannot use fixed-route buses due to disability or medical treatment. Cancer patients undergoing treatment who cannot drive can use MOBY for door-to-door transportation to medical appointments throughout the Omaha metro area.
- MOBY paratransit for medical appointments
- Reduced-fare programs for people with disabilities
- Fixed-route service to major hospitals
- Phone: 402-341-0800
Who: Omaha-area residents with medical transportation needs
Cost: Reduced fares available
Phone: 402-341-0800
Lincoln & Lancaster County
Lincoln serves as a secondary cancer care hub, with Bryan Health and CHI St. Elizabeth providing treatment options for patients in southeastern Nebraska.
Bryan Health — Bryan Cancer Center
📍 Lincoln
Bryan Cancer Center is one of the largest cancer treatment programs in the region, offering medical oncology, radiation therapy, and surgical oncology. Their support services include patient navigation, financial counseling, support groups, integrative therapies, and a cancer resource library. Patients from across southeast Nebraska come here for treatment.
- Patient navigators for all cancer types
- Financial counseling and charity care
- Support groups for patients and caregivers
- Integrative therapies (massage, acupuncture, yoga)
- Cancer resource library
- Phone: 402-481-3600
Who: All cancer patients
Cost: Support services free; treatment costs vary
Phone: 402-481-3600
CHI Health St. Elizabeth — Cancer Care
📍 Lincoln
CHI Health St. Elizabeth provides comprehensive cancer care in Lincoln with patient navigation, financial assistance through CommonSpirit Health’s charity care program, and support services. Their oncology social workers help patients and families cope with diagnosis and navigate the healthcare system.
- Oncology social workers
- Financial assistance and charity care
- Patient navigation
- Community cancer education programs
Who: All cancer patients
Cost: Support services free; financial assistance available
Phone: 2-1-1
Lincoln Food Bank
📍 Lincoln & 16 surrounding counties
Distributes food through a network of partner agencies across Lincoln and 16 surrounding counties. Cancer patients dealing with lost income or increased expenses can access food pantries, mobile distributions, and commodity programs. Their BackPack program also serves children in food-insecure homes.
- Food pantry network across southeast NE
- Mobile food distributions
- Senior commodity programs
- Phone: 402-466-8170
Who: Anyone facing food insecurity in Lincoln area
Cost: Free
Phone: 402-466-8170
Cancer Partners of Nebraska
📍 Lincoln
A community oncology practice in Lincoln offering support beyond treatment. Their team includes oncology social workers and patient navigators who connect patients with financial assistance, support groups, and community resources. They understand the challenges of rural patients coming into Lincoln for care.
- Patient navigation services
- Oncology social work
- Support groups
- Financial assistance referrals
Who: Cancer patients in the Lincoln area
Cost: Support services free
Phone: 2-1-1
StarTran — Lincoln Transit Medical Rides
📍 Lincoln
Lincoln’s public transit system offers HandiVan paratransit services for residents who cannot use regular buses due to medical conditions. Cancer patients undergoing treatment can apply for ADA paratransit certification for door-to-door rides to treatment appointments throughout Lincoln.
- HandiVan door-to-door paratransit
- Reduced-fare programs
- Routes serving Bryan Health and CHI St. Elizabeth
- Phone: 402-476-1234
Who: Lincoln residents with medical transportation needs
Cost: Reduced fares; paratransit fees apply
Phone: 402-476-1234
Mourning Hope Grief Center
📍 Lincoln
Provides grief support services to children, teens, and adults who are dealing with the death of a loved one or anticipatory grief during a terminal diagnosis. Their peer support groups, individual mentoring, and family programs help people navigate the grief that accompanies cancer at every stage.
- Peer grief support groups for all ages
- Individual grief mentoring
- Family grief programs
- Phone: 402-488-8989
Who: Children, teens, and adults dealing with grief
Cost: Free
Phone: 402-488-8989
Legal Aid of Nebraska — Lincoln Office
📍 Lincoln
The Lincoln office of Legal Aid of Nebraska provides free legal help for cancer patients dealing with insurance denials, employment issues under FMLA, advance directives, and medical debt. They also help with SSDI applications — critical for cancer patients who can no longer work.
- Insurance and benefits appeals
- SSDI and SSI assistance
- Advance directives
- Phone: 402-435-2161
Who: Low-income Lincoln-area residents
Cost: Free
Phone: 402-435-2161
Center for People in Need — Lincoln
📍 Lincoln
Provides emergency assistance and self-sufficiency programs for Lincoln-area residents facing hardship. Cancer patients can access their food pantry, emergency financial assistance for rent and utilities, clothing, and employment services. They also offer health insurance enrollment assistance.
- Emergency food pantry
- Rent and utility assistance
- Health insurance enrollment help
- Phone: 402-476-4357
Who: Low-income Lincoln residents in need
Cost: Free
Phone: 402-476-4357
Grand Island & Central Nebraska
Grand Island and the central Nebraska corridor serve as a regional hub for patients across the central part of the state, including large meatpacking communities with distinct health access needs.
CHI Health St. Francis — Cancer Center
📍 Grand Island
CHI Health St. Francis in Grand Island provides regional cancer care for central Nebraska, including medical oncology, radiation therapy, and surgical services. Their oncology team includes patient navigators and social workers who help patients access financial assistance, lodging, and community resources. Spanish-language services are available for the area’s significant Latino community.
- Patient navigation services
- Financial assistance and charity care
- Bilingual (English/Spanish) support
- Phone: 308-398-5800
Who: Cancer patients in central Nebraska
Cost: Support services free; financial assistance available
Phone: 308-398-5800
Heartland United Way — Grand Island
📍 Grand Island
Connects central Nebraska residents with community resources including food assistance, financial help, and health services. Cancer patients can call 2-1-1 through Heartland United Way to find local food pantries, utility assistance, and transportation options. They fund several programs that directly benefit people facing medical crises.
- 2-1-1 resource referral
- Community resource connections
- Emergency assistance referrals
- Phone: 308-382-4636
Who: Central Nebraska residents in need
Cost: Free
Phone: 308-382-4636
Multicultural Coalition — Grand Island
📍 Grand Island
Serves Grand Island’s large immigrant and refugee communities, many of whom work in meatpacking and face unique cancer-related challenges including language barriers, lack of insurance, and cultural stigma around diagnosis. They provide interpretation services, help navigating the healthcare system, and connect families with available support programs.
- Interpretation and translation services
- Healthcare navigation assistance
- Cultural health education
- Community outreach programs
Who: Immigrant and refugee communities in central NE
Cost: Free
Phone: 2-1-1
Central Nebraska Community Action Partnership
📍 Grand Island (serves Merrick, Hamilton, Hall counties)
Provides transportation assistance, utility help, and emergency services for low-income residents in central Nebraska. Cancer patients who need rides to treatment or help with heating bills while out of work can access support through this community action agency.
- Transportation to medical appointments
- Energy assistance (LIHEAP)
- Emergency services
- Phone: 308-385-5500
Who: Low-income central NE residents
Cost: Free or sliding scale
Phone: 308-385-5500
Hastings Cancer Center (Mary Lanning Healthcare)
📍 Hastings
Mary Lanning Healthcare in Hastings offers regional cancer treatment and support services for south-central Nebraska patients. Their cancer center provides patient navigation, social work services, and connections to community resources so patients do not have to travel to Omaha or Lincoln for every aspect of care.
- Regional cancer treatment
- Patient navigation
- Social work services
- Phone: 402-460-5000
Who: Cancer patients in south-central NE
Cost: Support services free; treatment costs vary
Phone: 402-460-5000
North Platte & Western Nebraska
Western Nebraska patients face some of the longest drives to oncology care in the country. North Platte serves as a critical mid-state resource, but many patients still travel east to Omaha or west to Denver.
Great Plains Health — Oncology Services
📍 North Platte
Great Plains Health provides the primary cancer treatment services for the North Platte region, preventing patients from having to drive all the way to Omaha for routine chemotherapy and radiation. Their oncology social workers help patients with financial counseling, lodging arrangements, and connections to community resources.
- Regional oncology services
- Patient navigation and social work
- Financial counseling
- Telemedicine connections to specialists
- Phone: 308-696-8000
Who: Cancer patients in western NE
Cost: Support services free; treatment costs vary
Phone: 308-696-8000
Western Nebraska Community Action Partnership
📍 North Platte (serves western NE)
Provides transportation assistance, energy assistance, and emergency services for low-income western Nebraska residents. For cancer patients in this vast, sparsely populated region, their transportation program can be a lifeline — helping arrange rides to treatment that might otherwise require a 300-mile round trip.
- Transportation to medical appointments
- Energy assistance (LIHEAP)
- Emergency services and referrals
- Phone: 308-532-3907
Who: Low-income western NE residents
Cost: Free or sliding scale
Phone: 308-532-3907
Mid-Nebraska Community Action — Lexington & Cozad
📍 Lexington, Cozad, and surrounding areas
Serves the Lexington area, home to a large meatpacking workforce with significant immigrant communities. They offer health navigation, translation services, and connections to assistance programs for families dealing with cancer in a region with limited oncology services and significant language barriers.
- Health navigation for immigrant communities
- Translation and interpretation services
- Emergency assistance
- Community health education
Who: Low-income and immigrant families in central-western NE
Cost: Free
Phone: 2-1-1
VA North Platte Community Based Outpatient Clinic
📍 North Platte
Provides primary care and care coordination for veterans in western Nebraska. While specialized cancer care is managed through the Omaha VA, this clinic can coordinate referrals, telehealth consultations with oncologists, and arrange travel benefits for veterans needing to go to Omaha or Denver for treatment.
- Primary care and care coordination
- Telehealth consultations with oncology
- Travel benefits coordination
- Phone: 308-532-6906
Who: Eligible veterans in western NE
Cost: Free or copay-based depending on eligibility
Phone: 308-532-6906
Kearney & South Central Nebraska
Kearney serves as a critical crossroads for cancer care along the I-80 corridor, offering regional treatment options that prevent longer drives east or west.
CHI Health Good Samaritan — Richard H. Young Cancer Center
📍 Kearney
The Richard H. Young Cancer Center at CHI Health Good Samaritan is the primary cancer treatment facility for south-central Nebraska. They offer medical oncology, radiation therapy, and support services including patient navigation, financial assistance, and support groups. This center prevents hundreds of patients from having to drive to Omaha for routine treatment.
- Regional cancer treatment center
- Patient navigation services
- Financial assistance and charity care
- Support groups for patients and families
- Phone: 308-865-7100
Who: Cancer patients in south-central NE
Cost: Support services free; financial assistance available
Phone: 308-865-7100
South Central Nebraska United Way — Kearney
📍 Kearney
Funds and coordinates community resources in the Kearney area including food assistance, transportation programs, and emergency financial help. Cancer patients can access their resource referral network to find food pantries, rides to treatment, and help with bills during treatment periods.
- Resource referrals and connections
- Food assistance programs
- Emergency financial help
- Phone: 308-237-2228
Who: Kearney-area residents in need
Cost: Free
Phone: 308-237-2228
University of Nebraska Kearney — Health Sciences Outreach
📍 Kearney
UNK’s health sciences programs offer community health education, including cancer prevention workshops and screening events. Their speech-language pathology program also provides services for head and neck cancer patients dealing with swallowing or speech difficulties after treatment.
- Community cancer education programs
- Speech-language pathology services
- Health screening events
- Student-led wellness programs
Who: South-central NE communities
Cost: Free or low cost
Phone: 2-1-1
Kearney Area Community Foundation — Emergency Assistance
📍 Kearney
Provides grants and emergency assistance to Kearney-area residents facing unexpected hardship. Cancer patients can apply for help with food, utilities, and other basic needs while undergoing treatment. They also fund local nonprofits that serve people dealing with serious illness.
- Emergency assistance grants
- Food assistance referrals
- Community resource connections
Who: Kearney-area residents facing hardship
Cost: Free
Phone: 2-1-1
Norfolk & Northeast Nebraska
Northeast Nebraska is home to agricultural communities, the Winnebago and Omaha tribal nations, and meatpacking towns like South Sioux City with distinct health service needs.
Faith Regional Health Services — Carson Cancer Center
📍 Norfolk
The Carson Cancer Center at Faith Regional provides oncology services for northeast Nebraska, sparing patients the two-hour drive to Omaha for routine treatment. They offer medical oncology, infusion services, and support including patient navigation and financial counseling. Their team coordinates with UNMC for patients needing specialized procedures.
- Regional cancer treatment
- Patient navigation
- Financial counseling and charity care
- Coordination with UNMC specialists
- Phone: 402-644-7000
Who: Cancer patients in northeast NE
Cost: Support services free; treatment costs vary
Phone: 402-644-7000
Winnebago Comprehensive Healthcare System
📍 Winnebago (Thurston County)
A tribally operated healthcare system serving the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska and surrounding communities. They provide cancer screening, health navigation, and connections to treatment resources. Their community health representatives can assist with transportation to cancer treatment and help patients navigate the Indian Health Service system for coverage.
- Cancer screening services
- Community health representatives
- Transportation assistance to treatment
- Cultural health support
Who: Winnebago tribal members and eligible community members
Cost: Free for eligible individuals
Phone: 2-1-1
Omaha Tribe of Nebraska — Carl T. Curtis Health Education Center
📍 Macy (Thurston County)
Provides healthcare services to the Omaha Tribe of Nebraska including cancer screening, preventive care, and referrals to specialty oncology care. Community health workers assist with care coordination, transportation to treatment centers, and connecting patients with support resources through the Indian Health Service network.
- Cancer screening and preventive care
- Care coordination for oncology referrals
- Community health worker support
- Transportation assistance
Who: Omaha Tribe members and eligible individuals
Cost: Free for eligible individuals
Phone: 2-1-1
MercyOne Siouxland Medical Center
📍 South Sioux City (serves NE/IA/SD tri-state)
While located in Sioux City, Iowa, MercyOne serves many northeast Nebraska patients, including the South Sioux City meatpacking community. Their cancer center provides treatment, patient navigation, financial counseling, and bilingual support services. Nebraska Medicaid is accepted for qualifying patients.
- Regional cancer treatment
- Bilingual patient navigation
- Financial assistance programs
- Phone: 712-279-2010
Who: Cancer patients in the tri-state area
Cost: Support services free; treatment costs vary
Phone: 712-279-2010
Northeast Nebraska Community Action Partnership
📍 Norfolk (serves 14 NE counties)
Provides essential services across 14 northeast Nebraska counties, including transportation to medical appointments, energy assistance, and emergency services. Their transportation program is vital for cancer patients in rural areas who need regular rides to treatment in Norfolk, Omaha, or Sioux City.
- Medical transportation assistance
- Energy assistance (LIHEAP)
- Emergency food and shelter referrals
- Phone: 402-385-6300
Who: Low-income northeast NE residents
Cost: Free or sliding scale
Phone: 402-385-6300
Northeast Nebraska Community Action Partnership — Food Programs
📍 Norfolk and surrounding counties
Operates food pantries and commodity distribution programs across northeast Nebraska. Cancer patients who are struggling to put food on the table while dealing with treatment can access these services with no judgment. Mobile food distributions reach even the most remote communities.
- Food pantries in multiple locations
- USDA commodity distribution
- Mobile food distributions
- Emergency food boxes
Who: Anyone facing food insecurity in northeast NE
Cost: Free
Phone: 2-1-1
Scottsbluff & the Panhandle
The Nebraska Panhandle is the most geographically isolated region of the state. Scottsbluff is closer to Cheyenne, Wyoming and Denver, Colorado than to Omaha, and many patients receive care across state lines.
Regional West Medical Center — Cancer Care
📍 Scottsbluff
Regional West is the primary healthcare facility for the Nebraska Panhandle, providing oncology services including chemotherapy, radiation, and surgical oncology. Their cancer care team includes patient navigators and social workers who understand the unique challenges of treating patients in this remote region — including coordinating care with specialists in Denver, Cheyenne, and Omaha.
- Regional oncology services
- Patient navigation and social work
- Financial counseling and charity care
- Telemedicine specialist consultations
- Phone: 308-635-3711
Who: Cancer patients in the NE Panhandle
Cost: Support services free; financial assistance available
Phone: 308-635-3711
Panhandle Community Services
📍 Scottsbluff (serves 11 Panhandle counties)
The community action agency for the Nebraska Panhandle, providing transportation to medical appointments, energy assistance, and emergency services. Their transportation program serves 11 counties — critical for cancer patients who may live 100+ miles from the nearest oncologist in Scottsbluff.
- Medical transportation across 11 counties
- Energy assistance (LIHEAP)
- Emergency services
- Phone: 308-635-3089
Who: Low-income Panhandle residents
Cost: Free or sliding scale
Phone: 308-635-3089
Panhandle Public Health District
📍 Scottsbluff (serves 12 Panhandle counties)
The local public health department for the Panhandle region, providing cancer prevention education, screening coordination, and connections to community health resources. They coordinate with Every Woman Matters to ensure Panhandle women have access to cancer screening regardless of insurance status.
- Cancer screening coordination
- Prevention education and outreach
- Community health resource connections
- Phone: 308-262-5764
Who: Panhandle-area residents
Cost: Free
Phone: 308-262-5764
Panhandle Community Services — Food Assistance
📍 Scottsbluff and Panhandle counties
Operates food pantries and commodity programs across the Panhandle. For cancer patients in this remote region who may be hours from a grocery store and struggling with treatment costs, access to food assistance is essential. They coordinate with USDA programs and local food drives.
- Food pantries in Panhandle communities
- USDA commodity distribution
- Emergency food boxes
Who: Anyone facing food insecurity in the Panhandle
Cost: Free
Phone: 2-1-1
VA Western Nebraska Health Care — Sidney & Scottsbluff Clinics
📍 Scottsbluff & Sidney
Community-based outpatient clinics serving veterans in the Panhandle. Veterans with cancer can receive primary care, telehealth oncology consultations, and coordination of specialty care at the Cheyenne VA or Denver VA — both of which may be closer than the Omaha VA for Panhandle residents.
- Primary care and care coordination
- Telehealth oncology consultations
- Travel benefits for specialty care
- Community Care referrals to local providers
Who: Eligible veterans in the NE Panhandle
Cost: Free or copay-based depending on eligibility
Phone: 2-1-1
Rural Nebraska
Many Nebraska communities are hours from the nearest oncologist. These resources serve patients in the Sandhills, river valleys, and farming towns where cancer support can be hard to find.
Nebraska DHHS — Medicaid Non-Emergency Medical Transportation
📍 Statewide (rural focus)
Nebraska Medicaid covers non-emergency medical transportation for enrolled members, which is essential for rural cancer patients who may live 200+ miles from their oncologist. This includes mileage reimbursement, public transit vouchers, and contracted transportation providers. Ask your social worker or call your Medicaid managed care plan.
- Mileage reimbursement for driving to treatment
- Contracted transport providers
- Public transit vouchers
- Coordination through managed care plans
Who: Nebraska Medicaid enrollees
Cost: Free for Medicaid members
Phone: 2-1-1
UNMC — Project ECHO Cancer
📍 Statewide (telehealth)
UNMC’s Project ECHO uses telehealth to extend cancer expertise to rural healthcare providers across Nebraska. While this is a provider-facing program, it directly benefits patients by ensuring that local providers in places like Valentine, Chadron, and Broken Bow have access to UNMC oncology specialists for guidance on treatment and supportive care.
- Telehealth support for rural providers
- Cancer specialist consultations
- Continuing education for rural clinicians
- Improved local cancer care quality
Who: Rural NE healthcare providers (benefits their patients)
Cost: Free
Phone: 2-1-1
Nebraska Rural Health Association
📍 Statewide (rural communities)
Advocates for and supports healthcare access in rural Nebraska, including cancer screening and treatment services. They connect rural communities with health resources, support critical access hospitals, and work on policy solutions to address the healthcare workforce shortages that leave many areas without local oncology care.
- Rural health resource connections
- Critical access hospital support
- Healthcare workforce advocacy
- Community health education
Who: Rural Nebraska communities and healthcare providers
Cost: Free
Phone: 2-1-1
Nebraska Community Action Agencies (Statewide Network)
📍 Statewide (offices in every region)
Nebraska has a network of Community Action agencies covering every county in the state. These agencies provide energy assistance (LIHEAP), emergency food, transportation to medical appointments, and referrals to other services. For cancer patients in rural areas, the local Community Action office is often the best first call for practical help.
- Energy assistance (LIHEAP) statewide
- Transportation to medical appointments
- Emergency food and shelter
- Weatherization and housing help
Who: Low-income Nebraskans in any county
Cost: Free or sliding scale
Phone: 2-1-1
Chadron Community Hospital — Rural Cancer Support
📍 Chadron (northwest NE)
As a critical access hospital in one of Nebraska’s most remote areas, Chadron Community Hospital connects cancer patients with screening services, telehealth oncology consultations, and coordinates referrals and transportation to regional cancer centers. Their social work team helps patients navigate the practical challenges of getting cancer care 400+ miles from Omaha.
- Cancer screening services
- Telehealth oncology connections
- Social work and care coordination
- Phone: 308-432-5586
Who: Northwest NE residents
Cost: Financial assistance available
Phone: 308-432-5586
Valentine Community Hospital — Sandhills Cancer Support
📍 Valentine (Cherry County)
Serves as the healthcare lifeline for the Sandhills region — one of the most sparsely populated areas in the lower 48 states. Cancer patients in this area face extraordinary distances to oncology care. The hospital provides cancer screening, care coordination, and social work to help patients arrange treatment at distant cancer centers.
- Cancer screening and early detection
- Care coordination with distant oncologists
- Social work services
- Phone: 402-376-3313
Who: Sandhills-area residents
Cost: Financial assistance available
Phone: 402-376-3313
Box Butte General Hospital — Cancer Screening
📍 Alliance
A critical access hospital serving the Alliance area and surrounding communities in the western Nebraska Sandhills. Provides cancer screening, mammography, and coordinates referrals to oncology specialists in Scottsbluff or beyond. Social workers assist with care coordination and connecting patients with assistance programs.
- Cancer screening and mammography
- Referral coordination
- Social work support
- Phone: 308-762-6660
Who: Western Sandhills residents
Cost: Financial assistance available
Phone: 308-762-6660
HealthWell Foundation
📍 Statewide (phone-based)
Provides financial assistance to underinsured patients for prescription copays, premiums, deductibles, and coinsurance for specific disease categories. Cancer patients in Nebraska can apply for help with the out-of-pocket costs of their medications. Funding availability varies by disease fund.
- Prescription copay assistance
- Premium assistance
- Deductible and coinsurance help
- Phone: 800-675-8416
Who: Underinsured patients with qualifying conditions
Cost: Free to apply
Phone: 800-675-8416
Kearney Regional Medical Center — Oncology Support
📍 Kearney
Provides cancer treatment and support services along the I-80 corridor. Their oncology team coordinates with UNMC specialists for complex cases and offers patient support through social work, financial counseling, and connections to local community resources for patients in the Kearney-Lexington-Holdrege corridor.
- Oncology treatment services
- Social work and patient support
- Financial counseling
- Phone: 308-865-2141
Who: Cancer patients along the I-80 corridor
Cost: Support services free; treatment costs vary
Phone: 308-865-2141
Nebraska Caregiver Support Program (Area Agencies on Aging)
📍 Statewide (through regional Area Agencies on Aging)
Nebraska’s Area Agencies on Aging administer the National Family Caregiver Support Program across the state. Caregivers of cancer patients age 60+ can access respite care, counseling, training, and supplemental services. In rural areas, this may be one of the few formal caregiver support options available.
- Respite care for family caregivers
- Caregiver counseling and training
- Supplemental services
- Information and resource referrals
Who: Family caregivers of adults age 60+
Cost: Free or sliding scale
Phone: 2-1-1
Santee Sioux Nation — Health Center
📍 Niobrara (Knox County)
Provides healthcare services to the Santee Sioux Nation in northeast Nebraska. Their health center offers cancer screening, community health education, and coordinates referrals to oncology specialists. Community health representatives assist patients with transportation to treatment and navigating available benefits through IHS and tribal programs.
- Cancer screening services
- Community health representatives
- Transportation assistance to treatment
- IHS benefits navigation
Who: Santee Sioux tribal members and eligible individuals
Cost: Free for eligible individuals
Phone: 2-1-1
Triage Cancer — Legal & Financial Navigation
📍 Statewide (online and phone)
A national nonprofit providing free education on cancer-related legal and financial issues. Their resources cover health insurance options, disability benefits, employment rights, and financial assistance programs. Their online tools and helpline are especially valuable for rural Nebraskans who cannot easily visit an in-person resource center.
- Health insurance navigation
- Disability benefits information
- Employment rights education
- Financial assistance directory
Who: Cancer patients, survivors, and caregivers
Cost: Free
Phone: 2-1-1
Columbus Community Hospital — Cancer Services
📍 Columbus
Provides cancer screening, infusion services, and care coordination for patients in the Columbus and Platte County area. Their team coordinates with larger cancer centers for specialized treatment while offering local infusion services to reduce travel burden. Social workers assist with connecting patients to community resources.
- Local infusion services
- Cancer screening and early detection
- Care coordination with regional centers
- Phone: 402-564-7118
Who: Cancer patients in the Columbus area
Cost: Financial assistance available
Phone: 402-564-7118
NeedyMeds
📍 Statewide (online)
A free online database of patient assistance programs, discount drug cards, and disease-specific resources. Nebraska cancer patients can search for pharmaceutical manufacturer assistance programs, copay cards, and state-specific financial help. Their drug discount card can save money at Nebraska pharmacies with no enrollment required.
- Searchable patient assistance program database
- Free drug discount card
- Copay assistance program listings
- State resource directory
Who: Anyone needing help with medication costs
Cost: Free
Phone: 2-1-1
Fremont Health — Cancer Support Services
📍 Fremont
Methodist Fremont Health provides cancer screening, treatment coordination, and support services for patients in the Fremont and Dodge County area. Their team works with UNMC and Methodist Estabrook in Omaha to coordinate specialty care while providing local infusion and support services to minimize travel.
- Cancer screening and infusion services
- Care coordination with Omaha centers
- Patient support services
- Phone: 402-721-1610
Who: Cancer patients in the Fremont area
Cost: Financial assistance available
Phone: 402-721-1610
Make-A-Wish Nebraska
📍 Omaha (serves statewide)
Grants wishes for Nebraska children between the ages of 2.5 and 18 who are diagnosed with a critical illness, including cancer. A wish experience can provide hope, strength, and joy during an incredibly difficult time for the child and the entire family.
- Wish granting for critically ill children
- Travel, meeting, shopping, being, or having wishes
- Referrals from medical teams, families, or community
- Phone: 402-339-9474
Who: Children ages 2.5-18 with critical illnesses
Cost: Free
Phone: 402-339-9474
TeamMates Mentoring — Cancer Family Support
📍 Statewide (150+ Nebraska communities)
While not cancer-specific, TeamMates pairs children and teens with adult mentors who provide consistent, caring support. For kids whose families are dealing with cancer, a stable mentoring relationship can provide normalcy, emotional support, and someone to talk to outside the home. Operating in over 150 Nebraska communities.
- One-on-one school-based mentoring
- Consistent adult support for youth
- Present in 150+ NE communities
- Phone: 402-904-5465
Who: Nebraska youth (grades 3-12)
Cost: Free
Phone: 402-904-5465
Stupid Cancer (Young Adult Cancer Alliance)
📍 Statewide (online)
Serves young adults (ages 15-39) diagnosed with cancer. In a state like Nebraska where young adult cancer patients may feel especially isolated — particularly in rural areas — Stupid Cancer’s online communities, meetups, and advocacy provide connection and support that may not exist locally.
- Online community for young adult patients
- Virtual meetups and events
- Advocacy and education
- Podcast and media resources
Who: Young adults ages 15-39 with cancer
Cost: Free
Phone: 2-1-1
Good Days (formerly Chronic Disease Fund)
📍 Statewide (phone-based)
Provides financial assistance for copays, premiums, diagnostics, and travel for patients with chronic diseases including many cancer diagnoses. Nebraska patients can apply for help covering out-of-pocket treatment costs. Funding availability changes — apply early and check back if your disease fund is temporarily closed.
- Copay and premium assistance
- Travel and lodging assistance
- Diagnostic test coverage
- Phone: 877-968-7233
Who: Insured patients with qualifying diagnoses
Cost: Free to apply
Phone: 877-968-7233
Disability Rights Nebraska
📍 Statewide (Lincoln office)
Nebraska’s designated Protection and Advocacy organization, providing free legal services to people with disabilities — including cancer patients who face discrimination or access barriers. They can help with employment discrimination, access to services, and ensuring your rights are protected during and after treatment.
- Disability rights advocacy
- Employment discrimination assistance
- Access to services support
- Phone: 800-422-6691
Who: Nebraskans with disabilities including cancer patients
Cost: Free
Phone: 800-422-6691
UNMC College of Nursing — Cancer Survivorship Program
📍 Omaha (serves statewide through outreach)
UNMC’s nursing college operates cancer survivorship research and outreach programs that benefit patients across Nebraska. Their work includes developing survivorship care plans, studying the needs of rural cancer survivors, and creating telehealth programs to extend survivorship support to underserved areas of the state.
- Survivorship care planning
- Rural cancer survivor outreach
- Telehealth survivorship support
- Research participation opportunities
Who: Cancer survivors, particularly in rural NE
Cost: Free
Phone: 2-1-1
Immanuel Communities — Hospice & Palliative Care
📍 Omaha (serves eastern NE)
Provides hospice and palliative care services for cancer patients in eastern Nebraska. Their team includes nurses, chaplains, social workers, and volunteers who provide comfort care, pain management, emotional support, and family counseling. Palliative care is available alongside active treatment — it is not just for end of life.
- Hospice care at home or in facilities
- Palliative care alongside treatment
- Bereavement support for families
- Chaplain and social work services
Who: Cancer patients needing comfort and palliative care
Cost: Covered by Medicare, Medicaid, and most insurance
Phone: 2-1-1
Tabitha Health Care Services — Hospice
📍 Lincoln (serves southeast NE)
A Lincoln-based nonprofit providing hospice, palliative care, and home health services across southeast Nebraska. Cancer patients can access comfort care, pain management, and emotional support. Their bereavement program provides 13 months of follow-up grief support for families after a death.
- Hospice and palliative care
- Home health services
- Bereavement support (13 months)
- Phone: 402-486-8520
Who: Patients needing hospice and palliative care in SE NE
Cost: Covered by Medicare, Medicaid, and most insurance
Phone: 402-486-8520
Nebraska Extension — Rural Stress & Wellbeing
📍 Statewide (county extension offices)
The University of Nebraska Extension system has offices in nearly every county and provides rural stress and wellbeing resources. For farming families dealing with a cancer diagnosis on top of agricultural stress, extension educators can connect them to mental health resources, financial planning help, and community support networks.
- Rural stress and mental health resources
- Financial planning for farm families
- Community wellness programs
- County extension offices statewide
Who: Rural Nebraska families facing stress
Cost: Free
Phone: 2-1-1
Nebraska Farm Hotline
📍 Statewide
Provides confidential support and financial counseling for Nebraska farm and ranch families facing financial stress. When a cancer diagnosis threatens a farming operation — lost labor, medical bills, potential loss of the farm — this hotline can connect families with financial planning, legal referrals, and emotional support.
- Confidential financial counseling
- Legal referrals for farm families
- Emotional support and stress management
- Phone: 800-464-0258
Who: Nebraska farm and ranch families
Cost: Free
Phone: 800-464-0258
Nebraska Family Helpline
📍 Statewide
A free, confidential helpline for any Nebraska parent or caregiver feeling overwhelmed — including those dealing with a cancer diagnosis in the family. Trained counselors can provide emotional support, parenting strategies during crisis, and referrals to local resources. Available evenings and weekends when other services are closed.
- Confidential phone counseling
- Parenting support during crisis
- Resource referrals
- Phone: 888-866-8660
Who: Nebraska parents and caregivers in stress
Cost: Free
Phone: 888-866-8660
Ponca Tribe of Nebraska — Health Services
📍 Norfolk, Omaha, Lincoln, and other NE cities
The Ponca Tribe operates health clinics in several Nebraska cities, providing cancer screening, preventive care, and referrals for tribal members and eligible Native Americans. Their community health programs include health education, transportation assistance, and help navigating available benefits. They serve urban and rural Native American populations.
- Cancer screening and preventive care
- Health navigation for Native Americans
- Transportation assistance
- Urban and rural clinic locations
Who: Enrolled tribal members and eligible Native Americans
Cost: Free for eligible individuals
Phone: 2-1-1
Family Action Network for Unity of Greater Nebraska (FANUG)
📍 Statewide (focus on immigrant communities)
Serves Nebraska’s immigrant and refugee communities — including meatpacking workers in Grand Island, Lexington, South Sioux City, and other towns — with health navigation, insurance enrollment assistance, and connections to safety-net services. Cancer patients without documentation or insurance can get help finding available resources.
- Health navigation for immigrant communities
- Insurance enrollment assistance
- Safety-net service connections
- Multilingual support
Who: Immigrant and refugee families in Nebraska
Cost: Free
Phone: 2-1-1
OneWorld Community Health Centers
📍 Omaha (South Omaha)
A federally qualified health center serving Omaha’s underserved communities, including large Latino and refugee populations. OneWorld provides cancer screening, health navigation, and referrals to specialty oncology care. Their sliding-fee scale makes care accessible regardless of insurance status, and they offer services in multiple languages.
- Cancer screening and preventive care
- Multilingual health navigation
- Sliding-fee scale
- Phone: 402-734-4110
Who: Underserved Omaha communities
Cost: Sliding scale based on income
Phone: 402-734-4110
Charles Drew Health Center
📍 Omaha (North Omaha)
A federally qualified health center primarily serving North Omaha’s Black community. Provides cancer screening, patient navigation, and connections to specialty care. Named after the pioneering Black surgeon, this center addresses health disparities in cancer screening and early detection that disproportionately affect the community it serves.
- Cancer screening and early detection
- Patient navigation and referrals
- Community health education
- Phone: 402-457-1200
Who: Underserved North Omaha communities
Cost: Sliding scale based on income
Phone: 402-457-1200
Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) — Nebraska
📍 Statewide (local posts)
VFW posts across Nebraska provide peer support, service officer assistance, and emergency financial help for veterans. Veterans dealing with cancer — including those with service-connected cancers from Agent Orange or burn pit exposure — can find help filing VA claims, getting transportation to VA appointments, and accessing emergency grants.
- Service officer claims assistance
- Emergency financial grants
- Peer support and camaraderie
- Transportation help to VA appointments
Who: Veterans and their families
Cost: Free (membership may be required for some services)
Phone: 2-1-1
Nebraska Department of Insurance — Consumer Assistance
📍 Statewide
If your insurance company denies a cancer treatment claim, the Nebraska Department of Insurance can help. Their consumer assistance division investigates complaints, helps you understand your appeal rights, and can intervene with insurers on your behalf. They also help with ACA marketplace enrollment questions.
- Insurance claim denial assistance
- Consumer complaint investigations
- ACA marketplace guidance
- Phone: 402-471-2201
Who: Nebraska insurance consumers
Cost: Free
Phone: 402-471-2201
Angel Flight Central
📍 Statewide (coordinates from Kansas City)
Volunteer pilots provide free air transportation for patients who need to travel long distances for medical treatment. For Nebraska cancer patients in the Panhandle or Sandhills who face 6-8 hour drives to Omaha, a free flight can make the difference between getting treatment and giving up. Flights are arranged based on pilot availability.
- Free air transportation for medical treatment
- Volunteer pilot network
- Serves patients within 1,000-mile radius
- Phone: 816-421-2300
Who: Patients needing long-distance medical travel
Cost: Free
Phone: 816-421-2300
Colorectal Cancer Alliance
📍 Statewide (online and phone)
Provides support, education, and financial assistance specifically for colorectal cancer patients. Nebraska has higher-than-average colorectal cancer rates, particularly in rural agricultural communities. Their buddy program pairs newly diagnosed patients with survivors, and they offer financial assistance for screening and treatment costs.
- Buddy program (peer matching)
- Financial assistance for screening and treatment
- Educational resources
- Phone: 877-422-2030
Who: Colorectal cancer patients and families
Cost: Free
Phone: 877-422-2030
AARP Nebraska — Caregiving Resources
📍 Statewide
AARP Nebraska provides caregiving resources, advocacy, and support for family caregivers of older cancer patients. Their Care Guide helps caregivers find local services, and they advocate for caregiver-friendly policies at the state level. Their Community Resource Finder tool helps locate services by zip code across Nebraska.
- Caregiver resource directory
- Community Resource Finder by zip code
- Advocacy for caregiver-friendly policies
- Phone: 866-389-5651
Who: Family caregivers (no age requirement for services)
Cost: Free
Phone: 866-389-5651
Lung Cancer Alliance / GO2 for Lung Cancer
📍 Statewide (online and phone)
Provides support and resources specifically for lung cancer patients. Nebraska has significant lung cancer incidence, and many patients face stigma regardless of their smoking history. GO2 offers peer-to-peer support, clinical trial matching, and a helpline where patients can speak with trained specialists who understand the unique challenges of a lung cancer diagnosis.
- Lung cancer helpline: 800-298-2436
- Peer-to-peer support matching
- Clinical trial matching
- Stigma-free community
Who: Lung cancer patients and families
Cost: Free
Phone: 800-298-2436
RxAssist
📍 Statewide (online)
A comprehensive database of pharmaceutical patient assistance programs. Nebraska cancer patients who cannot afford their medications can search by drug name to find manufacturer assistance programs, state programs, and discount options. Many cancer drugs have manufacturer-sponsored assistance that covers the full cost for qualifying patients.
- Searchable patient assistance program database
- Manufacturer assistance program listings
- State program directories
- Practical application tips
Who: Anyone needing help affording medications
Cost: Free to search
Phone: 2-1-1
Neighboring State Resources
Nebraska borders six states. Depending on where you live, resources in a neighboring state may be closer or better suited to your needs — especially for Panhandle residents who are closer to Colorado and Wyoming than to Omaha.
Iowa Cancer Resources
📍 Across the Missouri River from Omaha
Many Omaha-area residents live in Council Bluffs or other Iowa communities. Iowa resources include the Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center at the University of Iowa, Iowa-specific financial assistance programs, and support services across western Iowa. If you live on the Iowa side, explore resources in both states.
Kansas Cancer Resources
📍 Southern Nebraska border
Patients in southern Nebraska — particularly near the Republican River valley — may find cancer resources in northern Kansas accessible. The University of Kansas Cancer Center in Kansas City is an NCI-designated comprehensive cancer center that serves patients from across the region.
Colorado Cancer Resources
📍 Nebraska Panhandle (closer to Denver than Omaha)
Panhandle residents in Scottsbluff, Sidney, and Kimball are significantly closer to Denver and the University of Colorado Cancer Center (NCI-designated) than to Omaha. Many western Nebraska patients receive specialized treatment in Colorado. Colorado also has extensive support services that may serve cross-border patients.
South Dakota Cancer Resources
📍 Northern Nebraska border
Patients in northern Nebraska — particularly in the Sandhills and along the Niobrara River — may find cancer resources in Sioux Falls, South Dakota closer and more accessible. Sanford Health and Avera Health in South Dakota provide regional cancer care that serves patients from across the border region.
Wyoming Cancer Resources
📍 Western Nebraska Panhandle border
The far western Panhandle borders Wyoming, and patients in areas like Kimball or Harrisburg may access care through Cheyenne Regional Medical Center. Wyoming has limited cancer infrastructure similar to western Nebraska, but cross-border resources and the Cheyenne VA Medical Center may be relevant for some patients.
Not Sure Where to Start?
If you are overwhelmed and do not know which resource to call first, try one of these:
- American Cancer Society Helpline: 1-800-227-2345 (24/7, speaks multiple languages)
- Nebraska 2-1-1: Dial 2-1-1 from any phone for local resource connections
- CancerCare: 800-813-4673 (free counseling with oncology social workers)
- Your hospital’s social worker: Ask at your next appointment — they know local resources better than anyone
- Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center: 402-559-5600 (NE’s NCI-designated cancer center)
You do not have to figure this out alone. Every organization on this list exists because someone wanted to help people like you.