Increasing access to cancer prevention and intervention tools though community academic partnerships is an effective tool for reaching traditionally underserved populations. In Baltimore, Maryland, the University of Maryland School of Medicine has established community linkages to media, the faith community and leaders in an effort to decrease incidence and mortality of cancer, including prostate, breast, cervical, lung and colon. Because of the disparity in cancer incidence and mortality in African Americans compared to Whites in Baltimore, media and focus groups specifically targeted to African American populations have been utilized. A training curriculum teaching ministers and clergy to educate their congregations about cancer prevention and screening, and targeted outreach events, including health fairs, lectures and screening events for churches and synagogues have been employed in Baltimore City as well.
For this presentation, academic partnerships created between the University of Maryland School of Medicine and the media and faith community will be examined.
Learning Objectives: (1) To explore the disparity of cancer in minority and underserved populations in Baltimore City; (2) To describe specific partnerships developed by the University of Maryland with the media, community leaders and the faith community; (3) To examine the impact of these partnerships on targeted communities in Baltimore City; (4) To discuss other types of partnerships and the advantages or disadvantages of their use on reducing cancer incidence.
Keywords: Cancer, Community Collaboration
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: University of Maryland School of Medicine
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.