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Sustaining a safety net breast and cervical cancer detection program.
Linda Diamond Shapiro1, Donna Thompson, Elizabeth Calhoun
1shali@sinai.org
Journal of Health Care for the Poor and Underserved
|July 1, 2006
Summary
Community activism and diverse funding strategies enabled a faith-based program to expand cancer screenings for low-income minority women. This initiative successfully increased access to vital health services for underserved populations.
Area of Science:
- Community health
- Public health interventions
- Cancer screening programs
Background:
- Faith-based organizations play a crucial role in community health.
- Reaching underserved populations, particularly minority women, is vital for cancer prevention.
- Addressing the needs of uninsured and underinsured individuals requires innovative approaches.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the expansion of a community-based cancer screening program.
- To illustrate how funding was leveraged for program growth.
- To highlight the impact of community activism on health service investment.
Main Methods:
- Community-based mobilization of African American and Latina women.
- Securing diverse funding streams (public, private grants).
- Engaging in grassroots advocacy for the uninsured.
Main Results:
- Program expanded from local to statewide reach.
- Increased access to breast and cervical cancer screenings for low-income, uninsured women.
- Community activism spurred additional state investment in services for the uninsured.
Conclusions:
- Program sustainability and expansion are achievable through a blend of grant funding and advocacy.
- Community-based initiatives can effectively address health disparities.
- Investment in services for the uninsured is crucial for public health.