Innovative National Promotores Latino Cancer Survivorship Outreach Program: Outcomes and Lessons Learned

Purpose: Culturally sensitive interventions integrating promotores are needed to identify Latino cancer survivors with psychosocial health needs and link them to appropriate services to improve wellness. Methods: Cancer groups LIVESTRONG and Redes En Acción partnered to develop a national team of 7 formally trained bilingual, bicultural promotores. Promotores: 1) work within and beyond established healthcare systems to identify cancer survivors of all ages in San Francisco, San Diego, Chicago, New York/New Jersey, Brownsville and San Antonio, Texas; 2) provide community education and outreach; 3) provide basic patient navigation services; and 4) encourage survivors to access the LIVESTRONG Cancer Navigation Center (LCNC). The LCNC provides bilingual, free, one-on-one support to anyone affected by cancer in the U.S., from time of diagnosis and throughout the cancer journey. LCNC also refers survivors to services addressing their medical, economic and psychosocial needs. Intervention has taken a community engagement approach, including a national needs assessment and a mass media campaign. Preliminary Results: From June 2010 to December 2013, promotores conducted 793 education events; provided a wide range of navigation services; and referred 366 Latinos to the LCNC program. Detailed outcomes from data gathered, lessons learned and program replicability will be presented. CHWs will assist preparing the presentation and a CHW will attend and co-present. Discussion: CHWs are trusted community members who improve community health and are not only a bridge between public health research/healthcare system and the community, but also serve as behavioral change agents to improve the QoL of Latino cancer survivors.