Outreach Groups
Three groups help put cancer treatment/care in a cultural context by addressing the cultural challenges, disparity in treatment, and engaging the health system. Community outreach and advocacy work within Communities of Color are helping to break down barriers to healthcare, educate on cancer health and the importance of screening, and inform individuals about our free support programs and the resources available.
Three distinct groups – Men of Color, Latinos Unidos Contra Cáncer Group and the Advocacy Group – meet monthly to determine how to best promote Cancer Support Community at Gilda’s Club services and cancer screening materials within their respective communities.
Men of Color Group (MOC)
Our Men of Color Group focuses on cancer awareness and changing mindsets about men's health. Despite higher risks of several cancer types, men of color are often reluctant to screenings, programs, and other health services. Participants in this group understand historical and cultural reasons for avoiding the health care system. Members use their collective knowledge to encourage men to overcome their fear and resistance to the health care system. Recently, this group hosted a men's breakfast providing an open forum for discussing cancer-related issues in a safe and welcoming environment. They plan to host similar events in the future to continue the dialogue and provide a supportive network.
- Completed a cancer awareness initiative (3 for 3 Campaign) encouraging over 100 males to get screened for cancer types (i.e., prostate, colorectal, and lung cancer) that disproportionately impact men of color.
-
- 3 for 3 Campaign was an outreach effort focused on cancer awareness among men by addressing concerns around having a doctor, keeping up with doctor visits, and having age-appropriate cancer screenings.
- Distributed free Colorectal Second Generation FIT Kits to men throughout the community.
Latinos Unidos Contra Cáncer Group (LUCC)
Our LUCC Group meets on behalf of Spanish-speaking communities. Participants find ways to disseminate information about health screenings, insurance, and resources to address language and cultural barriers. Recently, this outreach group partnered with the Western NY Coalition of Farm workers to inform migrants about the resources available for anyone impacted by cancer.
- Reached over 400 residents in the city of Rochester and rural areas through outreach events.
- Created awareness in communities of color for colon cancer and importance of screening.
- Distributed over 2,200 cancer screening flyers to rural and urban Hispanic Communities
- Distributed 72 Second Generation Colon Cancer Screening FIT Kits.
- Built relationships with the 4 quadrants in Rochester for distributing the flyer (NW, SW, NE, SE).
Advocacy Group (AG)
Our Advocacy Group promotes self-care and resources for people who assist cancer patients. Caregivers often experience stress as they support their relatives with cancer. The Advocacy Group also distributes information about cancer prevention and screening to other organizations within communities of color.
- AG works to overcome medical mistrust among communities of color by providing information on how to engage doctors.
- AG efforts focus on helping increase quality of care by working with community members, helping them be better prepared for doctor visits and be their own health advocates.
- AG is currently engaged in creating greater awareness in communities of color around family medical history.