The National Cancer Legal Services Network (NCLSN) was established by LegalHealth, a division of the New York Legal Assistance Group in 2009. NCLSN promotes access to healthcare and seeks to increase the availability of legal services on behalf of low-income individuals living with cancer, their families, and caregivers. Through direct work, educational efforts and advocacy, this multidisciplinary coalition helps to alleviate the legal and economic consequences of cancer so that those affected may focus on their medical care and quality of life. NCLSN is a unified voice with over 40 member organizations nationally, including medical-legal partnerships, non-profit legal aid organizations, private law firms, bar associations, cancer support and advocacy organizations, and patient navigator programs. Not only does NCLSN work to increase the availability of free legal services to people with cancer, but its members also advocate for low-income cancer patients at the national level.
NCLSN supports the efforts of individuals and organizations focused on meeting the legal needs of the cancer-affected community. It augments the voice of disparate services, creates a forum for established and nascent legal advocacy groups, and facilitates the development of similar programs.
Some of the legal issues that NCLSN works to address are:
- Insurance disputes
- Public benefits
- Housing
- Employment issues
- Future care and custody planning for children
- Immigration
- Estate planning
- Advance directives
You can read more about the legal issues that cancer patients face and the impact of the NCLSN's work in our publication, The Cancer Cliff.
Triage Cancer is a proud partner of NCLSN and temporarily hosting their website while they undergo maintenance. Check back soon for more resources and a list of partner organizations.
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