The LCI Lung Bus Crew

In 2017 LCI launched the nation’s first mobile lung cancer screening program called Lung B.A.S.E.S. 4 Life providing free screening, tobacco cessation support, and nurse navigation to qualifying uninsured and underinsured individuals. This program, launched and led by Clinical Nurse Supervisor Darcy Doege, RN, travels to over 15 counties serving close to 1,000 patients annually. While traveling from community to community, this incredibly compassionate team noticed a gap in care with patients who met all qualifications for lung cancer screening except for age. In collaboration with LCI leadership and the research team, a protocol was developed to conduct a research study targeting uninsured individuals under age 55 who met the 20-year pack history. Studies like these can potentially lead to changes in national screening guidelines. One of the hallmark features of this innovative program is the whole human care approach designed to improve access equity. When individuals come forward for screening they are assessed across the spectrum of social determinants of health needs and when the team identifies a barrier, they “take that ball and run with it” finding solutions to issues that increase the likelihood of a positive outcome if a cancer is detected. The team provides things like gas cards, grocery gift cards, connection to primary care, housing resources and so much more. One individual who was overcoming housing insecurity was provided with all the furnishings she needed for her new house which included a full bedroom set, a recliner, a dining table with chairs, a desk, lamps, kitchen utensils, and even a television. In the first 1500 patients screened, there were 38 lung cancers detected, two-thirds of which were early stage, all in individuals who, without this team, would have had no opportunity to be screened. The best metric? The immeasurable hope, boundless compassion, and unlimited care the lung bus team provides. Darcy, Kia, Caroline, Lauren, Glenn, Annie, Jamie, and Kizzie….the Lung Bus Crew…. are not just doing a job, they are saving lives in countless ways on their mission to ensure health and access equity for all.