Post by Dana-Farber Cancer Institute

Community Health pop-up tabling efforts are ongoing in several neighborhoods disproportionately affected by the burden of cancer to raise awareness about cancer prevention, screening, and share helpful resources. In February, Bilingual Community Outreach Specialist Jenny Lee, MA, attended three Lunar New Year events around the Boston. Each day, she estimates that she spoke to more than 200 people in English, Mandarin, and Cantonese. Outreach specialists also design and run culturally informed education seminars – often in the language of impacted immigrant communities. They cover subjects like human papilloma virus-related cancers, colorectal and lung cancer screening, and cancer prevention. Outreach specialists are just one way that Community Health reaches the community. The Mammography Van brings our technicians and educators directly to Boston neighborhoods and surrounding towns. “We hear all the time about how convenient our service is,” says van Program Manager, Tia Goodman, MS. “Sometimes, all you need is for screening to be just a little closer.” In the warmer months, the Sun Safety Program partners with the Blum Family Resource Center Van to provide skin cancer screening and education. More stationary outreach efforts include a collaboration with Whittier Street Health Center that provides culturally informed mammography and tobacco cessation support. “We know there are a variety of barriers to accessing cancer care. So, we aim to support communities by meeting people where they are,” says Sabrina Gonzalez, Community Health senior program manager. All of this is guided by an initiative called the Community Health Needs Assessment. Conducted every three years, this survey identifies where resources are needed the most to improve outcomes. Led by Vice President of Community Health Magnolia Contreras, MSW, MBA, staff host focused discussions with patients, survivors, and caregivers about the challenges they face. Additional insights come from providers, organizational leaders, and residents.