Back to Annual Meeting Page		American Public Health Association 133rd Annual Meeting & Exposition December 10-14, 2005 Philadelphia, PA

Abstract #116133

Ronald P. Brown, PhD, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc., Neighborhood Development Corporation, 695 Dunbar Ave., Akron, OH 44311-1315, 330 794-8942, joparoco@aol.com

The Brother to Brother Project (BTB) is a model program on education and screening for prostate cancer targeted at men of color. Although the BTB Project was initially specific to minority populations, this program can be replicated for use by all men.

The Brother to Brother Project was developed by a group of professionals representing hospitals, family services, gay organizations, a drug and alcohol treatment facility, and a fraternal organization in Summit County, Ohio. One member from each group serves on the BTB Project advisory team under the direction of a Project Consultant. Other team members include a program evaluator from The University of Akron, phlebotomists, and a fiscal agent. The only paid positions are for the Project Consultant, phlebotomists, and three community organizers.

The purpose of this poster is to provide future coordinators of prostate cancer awareness programs with concrete ideas and real life examples that will increase the efficiency and effectiveness of their programs. The key elements of the project are:

Privacy: each man receives the results of the PSA by letter sent to their home. No follow-up calls are made. This letter can be taken to their physician and it also contains urologist referral information.

Convenience: screenings have been conducted in area barbershops, churches and mosques, National Guard Units, fire stations, social fraternities, golf clubs, social clubs (e.g., Elks, VFW), Masonic groups, coffee shops, and health fairs.

Free cost: support is provided by grants and in kind services from three local hospitals which process the tests at cost.

Information: the project schedules urologists to provide teaching during screening events and give talks at community events; extensive educational materials from the American Cancer Society are provided.

As a measure of its success, the BTB Project has screened over 3,000 men since September 2001 and has been featured in the American Cancer Society's state journal, local hospitals' monthly magazine, weekly newspapers, and local radio and television.

Learning Objectives:

Step 1
• At the conclusion of the session, the participants in this session will become more knowledgeable regarding preventive measures of Prostate Cancer. 2. Participants will be able to list risk factors and learn the possible outcomes of Prostate Cancer treatment opportunities. 3. Participants will be able to analyze and identify unique partnerships available in grassroots successful programs Step 2 1. Participants will increase their procedural opportunities and why they are needed. 2. Participants will learn that even at “no cost” why many will not take advantage of screenings and also they will be able to discuss the myths surrounding men of color and prostate cancer. Step 3 1. Participants will learn to develop a team that reflects the at risk population in their communities. 2. Participants will be able to define the need for formulating community partnerships to address financial needs and opportunities to address prostate issues. 3. Participants will recognize the need for grant writing, public speaking, and marketing skills in a grassroots approach to raising awareness and educating men and women on Prostate Cancer.

Keywords: Cancer Screening, Community-Based Partnership

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

I wish to disclose that I have NO financial interests or other relationship with the manufactures of commercial products, suppliers of commercial services or commercial supporters.