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BINGO! Creative community engagement strategies to increase colorectal cancer screenings in minority neighborhoods in Houston
Methods: The COCAS program was introduced based on spatial data that identified 12 zip codes that exhibited clusters of late stage colorectal cancer diagnosis. HDHHS staff and key community stakeholders collaborated to develop strategies to build community capacity and promote benefits of early colorectal cancer screenings. Providing colorectal cancer information during line dancing, bingo, and other recreational/social activities frequented by the target population were utilized to establish rapport. Home-based screening kits were given to those that agreed to participate (N=307).
Results: Non-traditional outreach resulted in dissemination of colorectal cancer information and the benefits of screening to over 1000 residents. A total of 307 participants received the home-based fecal occult blood test (FOBT) screening kits and 46% completed the screening successfully.
Conclusion: Strengthening community partnerships, tailoring methods to reach diverse communities, eliminating cost barriers, building rapport through involvement in preferred recreational activities of target population, and use of culturally appropriate educational materials and engagement practices have positively impacted at risk communities through increased awareness of colorectal cancer screenings for early cancer detection. The lessons learned provide a framework to aid health departments and organizations in ways to engage and build rapport in diverse communities.
Learning Areas:
Administer health education strategies, interventions and programsDiversity and culture
Implementation of health education strategies, interventions and programs
Planning of health education strategies, interventions, and programs
Learning Objectives:
Demonstrate non-traditional methods of community engagement and dissemination of colorectal cancer information. Describe a framework to aid health departments and organizations in ways to engage and build rapport in diverse communities.
Keyword(s): Cancer Prevention and Screening, Community Health Programs
Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I have worked as a research coordinator and community liaison for multiple federally/state funded grants in the area of cancer prevention, community engagement, and community based education. My public health interests include reducing health disparities in minority populations and utilizing innovative community engagement practices to disseminate health information.
Any relevant financial relationships? No
I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.