American Cancer Society shared on LinkedIn:
“We are saddened by the passing of Dr. Harold P. Freeman, a pioneering surgeon, visionary leader, and tireless champion for health equity.
As ACS President (1988-89), National Board member, and Honorary Chair of the National Navigation Roundtable, Dr. Freeman transformed cancer care through his groundbreaking work in patient navigation.
In 1989, he published a study, Cancer in the Economically Disadvantaged, becoming the first researcher to establish that the intersection of poverty, social injustice, and culture drives disparities across the cancer continuum. His research identified barriers Black communities faced in accessing cancer care, inspiring him to launch the nation’s first patient navigation program at Harlem Hospital in 1990 with support from ACS, creating a model that would be adopted nationwide and around the world–and earning him the designation of known as the ‘Father of Patient Navigation’.
We honor Dr. Freeman’s extraordinary legacy and the countless lives impacted by his leadership and commitment to ensuring access to care for all.”
You can also read: Harold P. Freeman, Pioneer of Patient Navigation and Health Equity, Dies at 93
