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Building a community network for a cancer education/screening program: the process and lessons learned (or
James F McKenzie1, Becky M Butts, Barbara A Cox
1Ball State University in Muncie, Indiana, USA.
Health Promotion Practice
|July 2, 2004
Summary
A community organizing model successfully established a cancer education and screening program in Muncie, Indiana. This initiative, a legacy of the Year 2000 Committee, offers a replicable strategy for community health development.
Area of Science:
- Community Health
- Public Health Initiatives
- Cancer Prevention
Background:
- Many US communities formed Year 2000 committees to celebrate the millennium and address community issues.
- Muncie, Indiana, and Delaware County established 'You and Year 2000, Inc.' for millennium celebrations.
- A key goal was to create a lasting community legacy addressing a significant local problem.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the application of a community organizing/building model.
- To detail the creation of a community-wide cancer education/screening program.
- To share lessons learned from this public health initiative.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a community organizing/building framework.
- Partnered with a local hospital for program development.
- Focused on fundraising for a cancer center and education/screening services.
Main Results:
- Successfully developed and implemented a community-wide cancer education/screening program.
- Established a cancer center through a community fundraising campaign.
- The program served as a lasting legacy of the millennium celebration.
Conclusions:
- The community organizing model proved effective for establishing a comprehensive cancer program.
- The planning and implementation process is potentially duplicable in other communities.
- Community-led initiatives can successfully address public health challenges like cancer.