Melissa K. Thomas, MSA, BS, BA¹, Carol Adams², Diana Coates², Lenora Leifheit², and Becky Baer². (1) Community Outreach, OhioHealth, 1087 Dennison Avenue, Columbus, OH 43201, (614) 544-5287, thomam3@ohiohealth.com, (2) Meigs County Cancer Initiative, PO Box 85, Pomeroy, OH 45769

The Meigs County Cancer Initiative (MCCI) was founded in 2000 by a group of community health workers dedicated to reducing the high cancer rates in their Appalachian county. In order to sustain the coalition’s existence, the CHWs incorporated a research-based evaluation approach to not only address the community’s health concerns but also to measure progress to the community and to potential grantors. Citing specific examples from the coalition’s colorectal cancer project, the CHWs will discuss the essential steps to an effective program evaluation.

MCCI has focused its efforts on increasing cancer awareness and screening to help reduce the disproportionately high colorectal mortality rates, especially among men. In December 2000, a ten-question survey on colorectal cancer knowledge was disseminated to five grocery stores over a two-week period, and over 1000 surveys were collected. The majority of those surveyed underestimated the risk of colorectal cancer in Ohio but overestimated the frequency at which colorectal screenings should occur, stating that colonoscopies and sigmoidoscopies should be conducted annually.

In an effort to increase knowledge and screening rates for colorectal cancer, the MCCI CHWs randomly assigned each survey participant into one of three groups that would receive separate brochures with specific cancer information. The mailing was completed in August 2003, and the results of a six-month follow-up survey will be discussed.

The research process, coupled with effective outreach strategies, have significant implications for the sustainability of the Meigs County Cancer Initiative and many community-based programs that exist on the support of community health workers.

Learning Objectives:

At the conclusion of this sessions, participants will be able to
• Identify the states included in the Appalachian region of the United States;
• describe the process of utilizing evaluation results for community, agency, and grant support;
• identify the key steps in evaluating a CHW program from the planning phase to its conclusion; and
• describe the development, dissemination, and evaluation processes of a community-based survey.

Keywords: Underserved Populations, Cancer

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I have a significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.
Relationship: grant, National Cancer Institute's Appalachia Cancer Network

Handout (.ppt format, 249.5 kb)