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The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA |
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The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA |
Nedra Lisovicz, MPH, CHES and Susan Mayfield-Johnson, MPH, CHES. Center for Sustainable Health Outreach, University of Southern Mississippi, Box 10015, Hattiesburg, MS 39406, 601-261-6756, Nedra.Lisovicz@usm.edu
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 addition, African Americans are less likely to participate in established effective cancer control programs such as breast and cervical cancer screenings. Socioeconomic variables, cultural beliefs, attitudes, knowledge of risks, and inadequate access to care are all associated with decreased utilization to the underserved targeted population. The Deep South Network for Cancer Control, a NCI Funded project, has been developed to combat this disparity with the community infrastructure built upon an effective model, the Community Health Advisor Network (CHAN) model. The CHAN model thrives on the idea of empowering natural helpers to disseminate health information, link community members to health service delivery agencies, and to develop leadership skills as trained Community Health Advisors. Taking this one step further, 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. Since the program has started, the number of women receiving mammograms has increased in rural areas in Mississippi. Preliminary statistical analysis indicates an association with this intervention and mammography screening rates. This model proves that community-based cancer awareness programs are an effective means to reduce the health disparities in underserved populations.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant (learner) in this session will be able to
Keywords: Breast Cancer Programs, Minority Health
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: 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: grants, employment