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Updated: Jun 2, 2026

Oral Health Assessment by Lay Personnel for Older Adults
Published on: February 2, 2020
Proactive screening for health needs in United Way's 2-1-1 information and referral service
Katherine S Eddens1, Matthew W Kreuter
1Health Communication Research Laboratory and Center for Cultural Cancer Communication, George Warren Brown School of Social Work, Washington University in St. Louis, keddens@gwbmail.wustl.edu , Kay Archer, United Way 2-1-1 Missouri.
Abstract:
Cancer disproportionately affects the underserved. United Way 2-1-1 is an information and referral system that links underserved populations to community services. This study explores the feasibility of integrating proactive screening and referral to health services into 2-1-1. A cancer risk assessment was administered to callers (n=297), measuring their need for six cancer control services. A subset of respondents was randomized to receive generic or tailored referrals to needed services. Nearly all participants (85%) needed at least one of the services. Those who received tailored referrals were more likely to make appointments. Future research will explore approaches to address and eliminate health disparities through 2-1-1.
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