Despite efforts to decrease morbidity and mortality rates of cancer among the African-American population in Mississippi and Alabama, cancer incidence continues to steadily rise, especially in rural, underserved communities of the Mississippi Delta. In fact, cancer incidence rates are 10% higher among African Americans than for Caucasians. Moreover, cancer mortality rates for African Americans are two times higher than the rate for Caucasians.
Under the auspices of the Deep South Network for Cancer Control (a collaborative project of the University of Alabama in Birmingham, The University of Alabama, The University of Southern Mississippi, Jackson State University and Tuskegee University), Community Health Advisors as Research Partners (CHARPS) have been identified, recruited, and trained as an effective force to disseminate information in communities that have been defined as "hard-to-reach." This is an innovative approach to the Community Health Advisor Program as it combines both volunteer lay health advisors and employed paraprofessionals from the communities to work together in combating the incidence of cancer.
Community coalitions representing various constituencies interested in reducing cancer mortality were developed along with a statewide coalition. The Deep South Institute for Cancer Control, an annual training workshop, which brings together CHARPS, cancer researchers, DSNCC staff, involves community members in planning research and intervention activities. A Minority Investigator Training Program, aimed at high school, undergraduate, and graduate minority students is conducted annually to stimulate minority participation in cancer research and intervention programs.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant (learner) in this session will be able to: 1. Recognize the unique roles Community Health Advisors as Research Partners can play in decreasing cancer morbidity and mortality, and 2. Distinguish the unique features of community health advisor training.
Keywords: Cancer, Community Health Promoters
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: Center for Sustainable Health Outreach,
Deep South Network for Cancer Control
I have a significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.
Relationship: employment