Cancer Disparities Capacity Building Pilot Project

Cancer Disparities Capacity Building Pilot Project

Funder: Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH)

Recipient: Greater Lowell Health Alliance (GLHA)

Award Amount: $100,000 for Phase I

Geographic Scope: Greater Lowell area (Massachusetts), Community Health Network Area 10

Project Overview

This is a multi-phase project to address cancer disparities in the Greater Lowell region.

Phase I (Completed with $100,000 award)

• Conduct assessment of health status of area residents
• Describe cancer disparities and health inequities of interest and importance to community

Phase II (Planned)

Develop action plan that will:
• Focus on prevention, screening, treatment, and/or survivorship strategies for 1-2 of the top 5 cancers in Massachusetts:
- Lung cancer - Breast cancer - Prostate cancer - Colorectal cancer - Cervical cancer
• Address health outcomes/health risks identified through community needs assessments targeting greatest needs
• Select strategies making best use of available resources while capitalizing on community strengths and opportunities
• Build local capacity and sustainability

Partners

• University of Massachusetts Lowell Center for Community Research and Engagement
• Lowell General Hospital
• Lowell Community Health Center
• Multiple community organizations