2010 Spirit of Collaboration Award Winners
Every year since 2001, the Michigan Cancer Consortium has presented its highest honor — the MCC Spirit of Collaboration Award — to member organizations that have done outstanding collaborative work to significantly move comprehensive cancer control activities forward in our state. During the 2010 MCC Annual Meeting, the following organizations were presented with 2010 MCC Spirit of Collaboration awards in recognition of their exceptional work leading collaborative efforts on behalf of the MCC and comprehensive cancer control in Michigan.
Detroit Community Network Program to Reduce Cancer Health Disparities among Older, Underserved African Americans
Addressing: Breast Cancer, Cervical Cancer, Colorectal Cancer
Project description: The Detroit Community Network Program (CNP) aims to reduce cancer health
disparities among older African Americans in Detroit — a population
that disproportionately experiences higher rates of many cancers and is
first diagnosed at later stage disease. The importance of the establishment of a network in this complex urban setting is vital due to the area’s great need and few resources.
During the five years of the program, Social Network Analysis (SNA) techniques have been applied to measure the effectiveness of the CNP coalition. CNP partners have been surveyed through in-person structured interviews annually over four years to assess each organization’s interactions with coalition members. Below are diagrams showing relationships in Year 1, compared to relationships in Year 4. The red lines indicate unreciprocated links, and the blue lines indicate reciprocated links. As evidenced by the diagrams, during the course of the CNP, reciprocated links have intensified as the network has strengthened. This increase reflects the multiplex nature of some of the partner relationships developed in the context of specific program collaborations.
When the Detroit CNP was started, only a few of the partners were
actively working together. Five years later, many of the partners have
collaborated on high-level projects. Further, cancer prevention and
control was not part of most of the partners’ missions, but has now been formally incorporated by many of the partner organizations. Over the course of five years, the Detroit CNP partners have collectively offered nearly 1,000 cancer awareness and education programs.
Dr. Ron Davis Smokefree Air Law Implementation Addressing: Tobacco Control/Lung Cancer, Environmental / Occupational Cancers, Healthy Lifestyles
Project description: On May 1, 2010, the Dr. Ron Davis Smokefree Air Law went into effect
after a decade of advocacy on behalf of non-smokers and workers in
Michigan. During the 4 months between passage of the law in December of 2009 and the effective date, many organizations and state departments collaborated to make sure the transition to a smokefree state went smoothly. Many legal issues, enforcement logistics, and implementation details needed to be sorted out in a very tight time frame and with no additional budget.
The successful Smokefree Air Law implementation included the following activities:
mailings to over 60,000 restaurants and bars in Michigan;
mailings to over 13,000 Michigan businesses;
dedicated website and toll-free phone line to answers questions and inquiries about the law;
statewide education campaign covering all 83 Michigan counties;
over 100 presentations given across the state;
distribution of educational information to thousands of residents, business owners, and local elected officials;
six regional education and enforcement trainings with local health officers, health educators, environmental health officers, and sanitarians; and
over 35 events held on the effective date of the law.
The House Calls Program: A Tobacco Use Treatment Program for Pregnant and Parenting Women Addressing: Tobacco Control/Lung Cancer
Project description: When pregnant women reported that the Ingham County Health Department's
(ICHD) smoking cessation program did not meet their needs, the House
Calls program was developed. It provides home-based smoking cessation, education support, and intervention to pregnant and parenting women in the community. A collaboration between an already established home visitation program by public health nurses, public health advocates, and smoking cessation services, the House Calls program responds to referrals from other ICHD services and community-based providers to take smoking cessation programs to pregnant and parenting women in their homes. This collaborative effort began in May 2008 with the financial support from the American Legacy Foundation. Through the program, women receive a customized intervention based on their personal circumstances. Interventions may include cotinine testing, carbon monoxide level testing, nicotine replacement therapies, support encouragement, and celebration of success!
During the first years of the project (May 2008 — April 2009), the goal was to enroll 50 women. When that goal was met within the first quarter of the project, women continued to enroll and a total of 130 women were served. As a result of this initial success, the Legacy Foundation funded the project for a second year at half the amount of the first grant. During the second year of the project (May 2009 — April 2010), an additional 87 women were enrolled and served.
The House Calls program was evaluated during its second year of funding. This time frame includes findings from 102 clients whose outcomes are described below:
The average number of visits a client had was 4.7.
During the time we followed them that year, 47.3% of clients at least once had a CO measurement that was half what they blew at their initial visit.
28.0% of clients had at least one time during the intervention a CO measurement below 6 ppm.
The ICHD continues to provide these services now without grant support. The ICHD has a demonstrated record of institutionalizing innovative projects conceived through grant funds following the conclusion of grant funding.
"Real Answers, Real Options, Real Miracles" DVD Project Addressing: Clinical Trials
Project description:The mission statement of the Grand Rapids Clinical Oncology Program’s (GRCOP) Patient Advisory Board (PAB) for clinical research is “Cancer survivors sharing clinical trial experiences to increase awareness and knowledge in the search for prevention and cure.”Because fear often accompanies a cancer diagnosis, the PAB set out to replace fear with hope and knowledge through the production of an educational video that details the availability and efficacy of cancer clinical trials.The goals of the video, “Real Answers, Real Options, Real Miracles…. Right Here in West Michigan…” are to increase general awareness of this treatment option and to inform the public that cancer clinical trials information is available to all West Michigan health care providers.
Since the development of the educational video, accrual to clinical trials has remained steady and even increased.Although currently not able to quantitatively measure impact on accrual, the project team has learned anecdotally that the DVD has had a positive impact.
The funds for duplication of the video were provided by a family in the community who wanted to find a way to help others who came behind.This video is in the process of being shared locally and around the country through the efforts of PAB members and GRCOP leadership and staff.
Sisters Network Gift of Life Block Walk Addressing: Breast Cancer
Project description: The Sisters Network is the only national African American
breast cancer survivorship organization in the United States.Sisters Network Greater Metropolitan Detroit Chapter, a chapter of Sisters Network Inc., is an advocacy group that serves Metropolitan Detroit. They conducted their 5th Annual Gift of Life Block Walk in which volunteers went door-to-door in designated areas to share breast health information and screening resources.
Thirty volunteers spoke to 300 households about breast health and provided information about the Breast and Cervical Cancer Control Program for those who did not have health insurance.Over 100 households completed surveys about their knowledge of breast cancer. Other household were left information.
Based on the data gathered, we were pleased that over half of the women surveyed conducted monthly self breast exams,over 60 percent received annual clinical breast exams, and 25 percent knew they had a family history of breast cancer.Of that 25 percent, all but two were current with their annual breast screening, and over 50 percent of all women surveyed knew about BCCCP.Now, nearly 300 households know about the resources available and how to maintain good breast health.
We learned that the general public wants to understand more about early detection and prevention of cancer.We just need more ways to stop and share with those who need it most.
In addition to the Gift of Life Block Walk, a bazaar and balloon lift ceremony was added to the day’s events.Over 100 community members attended the bazaar, which included vendors, music, food, and cancer informational tables sponsored by the American Cancer Society and Karmanos Cancer Institute.Hartford Senior Girl Scout Troop played an integral role in the balloon lift ceremony by tying breast cancer guidelines on all 200 balloons, each balloon representing a Sister lost to cancer.
This event would not have been possible without the help of a dynamic committee made up of members of Sisters Network.Thanks to Karmanos and the American Cancer Society for their technical support and New Prospect Missionary Baptist Church, who provided the space and had everything set up perfectly, on time and in good order.
University of Michigan Health System Free Pap Test Screening Addressing: Cervical Cancer
Project description:On Jan.30, 2010, the University of Michigan Health System (UMHS) provided free cervical cancer screening to women who had not had a Pap test in the last two years and did not have medical coverage for a Pap test. Any woman who was at least 21 years of age and met these criteria was eligible to schedule an appointment, with emphasis placed on screening a racially and ethnically diverse group of women. The departments involved in the first-time collaboration absorbed the cost of the event, and providers from the Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Pathology donated their time to collect and process the specimens.
A total of 75 women received a free Pap Test during this event. A large proportion (44 percent) of women screened were minorities, and most were between the ages of 25 and 54. Every participant received a list of local resources for free or low-cost health care. The UMHS Women’s Health Program had additional materials available for women interested in learning more about cervical cancer and HPV.
Sixty-six women had normal Pap results. Two women had atypical cells, but both were found to be HPV negative and required no additional follow-up. In addition, providers visually identified abnormalities on several women and instructed them at the time of the screening to seek appropriate follow-up care. All women requiring follow-up care received a phone call from physicians from the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology to report results and provide necessary follow-up instructions. If women needed more information about how and where to receive care, they were also contacted by a licensed social worker to discuss options.
Washtenaw County HPV Resource Team Addressing: Cervical Cancer
Project description:The Washtenaw HPV Resource Team was formed to educate and connect people to resources for the HPV vaccine and cervical cancer. The team collaborated to develop a HPV and Cervical Cancer Facts slide show, resource sheet, and model for community education. Fifteen presentations at schools/campuses, churches, and libraries have reached over 400 community members, and HPV vaccines have been provided at three of the educational events.
The Resource Team is enhancing its presentation to include a panel of three physician speakers on HPV/Cervical Cancer Facts, Vaccine Rates and Disparities Information, and Vaccine Decision Making and Safety. The Medical Directors of both Washtenaw County Public Health and Wayne County Public Health are participating as panel presenters.
2010 Spirit of Collaboration Awards — Honorable Mention
The Consortium also recognized the efforts of the following organizations with the presentation of 2010 MCC Spirit of Collaboration Honorable Mention Awards for their leadership of exemplary collaborative projects on behalf of the MCC and comprehensive cancer control efforts in Michigan.
American Cancer Society Body & Soul Blues Challenge Addressing: Breast Cancer, Healthy Lifestyles
Project description:The American Cancer Society (ACS) and Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) partnered to improve fruit/vegetable consumption and increase physical activity among members of the African American communities of Flint and Grand Rapids. Although both organizations were already working in the faith community, they wanted to reach deeper and have more meaningful relationships as a result of this project.
This collaboration resulted in enhanced activities within existing Body & Soul churches, as well as the recruitment of even more churches into the Body & Soul program. The incentives that BCBS provided helped ensure greater participation of churches and church members. Specifically, Flint churches recruited 127 participants who logged over 16,300 miles walked collectively. Grand Rapid churches were successful in recruiting 422 participants who participated in the Rhythm Walk held annually in Grand Rapid. Grand Rapids also had each participate complete a baseline health assessment conducted by the Kirkof College of Nursing in Grand Rapid. The findings after the post assessment showed that there was no significant weight loss, but there was increased physical activity (from 1-2 hours per week to 5-6 hours per week) and a perceived increase in energy levels. Participants also showed an increased knowledge and understanding of their BP numbers. Each team both in Flint and Grand Rapids logged its steps through the BCBS Walking Works program, an online program that tracks miles walked and calculates progress.
At the end of the 10-11 week, each city had a closing program to bring all of its churches together to share their stories and testimonials on the effects the program had on their lives. Recognition was given to the teams that logged the most miles and to the church with the best overall participation. Several of the ministers were affected to the point of changing practices within their churches to include more fruits and vegetables and physical activity throughout the year. Most realized that they could do more to improve their health and spoke about increased energy and the desire to do more.
In addition to implementing the Body & Soul Program, the churches participated in ACS’ Tell-A-Friend Program, which reminds women age 40 and older to have their annual mammogram; over 400 women were touched with a Tell-A-Friend call. Both communities were also trained to recruit and enroll eligible families in MiChild. The success of this program has led to another pilot program with MDCH through Body & Soul churches to train lay health educators with the WISEWOMAN Program in Flint.
Community-Based Participatory Research in the Area of Breast and Cervical Cancer Prevention and Control Addressing: Breast Cancer, Cervical Cancer
Project description:Over the past four years, the Arab Community Center for Economic and Social Services (ACCESS) and the Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Biology in the College of Human Medicine at Michigan State University have advanced community-based participatory research in the area of breast and cervical cancer prevention and control.
Through this collaboration, they have culturally and linguistically translated the Kin Keeper Cancer Prevention Intervention training materials into Arabic and have cross-trained 24 Arab community health workers on this intervention. In turn, these same community health workers have implemented the Kin Keeper model by touching the lives of nearly 130 Arab female-focused families (mother, grandmother, sister, daughter, and aunt) in a culturally respectful manner.
Friends Together Medical Transportation Van Addressing: Cancer Survivorship
Project description: With grants from the United States Department of Agriculture's Rural Development Program, Alpena Regional Medical Center Development Council, and The Besser Foundation, Alpena Cancer Center, in collaboration with Friends Together, was able to purchase a 2010 Chrysler Town & Country van to assist cancer patients with transportation to diagnostic and treatment services at the Alpena Cancer Center.
Although Alpena Regional Medical Center has partnered with the American Cancer Society to provide transportation services to patients in the north and within Alpena County, there was a large geographic area not serviced by the previous van. By purchasing the new van, Alpena Regional Medical Center can now expand its service area to the southern and western regions of Northeast Michigan, including Alpena, Alcona and parts of Iosco counties.
“Friends Together led the charge, and the Alpena Regional Medical Center Development Council and Besser Foundation stepped up in a big way to make this dream a reality,” said Doug Kreis, director of the Alpena Cancer Center. “I would like to sincerely thank all collaborating partners for their generosity. I would also like to thank all of the volunteer drivers for without them, we would not be able to help the patients in need.”
Project description: In January, the Beaumont Cancer Institute (BCI), Native American Indian
Association (NAIA), and American Indian and Health Services (AIHFS)
hosted the first Native American Spa Day for Native American women
without insurance. BCI, along with the Comprehensive Breast Care Centers, provided clinical breast examinations and mammograms for uninsured women.
Twenty Native American women registered for the event, and 11 of those women met the screening guidelines for mammograms (40 and older). The remaining women (ages 35-39) received clinical breast examinations, medical massage, guided imagery, and reiki. Due to the success of the event, NAIA, AIHFS, and the BCI will continue to offer Native Spa Days each year.
For more information: Beaumont Cancer Institute
Minority Outreach Program
Attention: Monty Fakhouri
Phone: 248-551-0243
E-mail: Monty.Fakhouri@beaumonthospitals.com
100 Black Men of Greater Detroit, American Cancer Society, and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan Collaborative Project Addressing: Prostate Cancer
Project description:The American Cancer Society (ACS), Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan (BCBSM), and the 100 Black Men of Greater Detroit joined together in a collaborative initiative to address African American men’s health issues.
Through this collaborative project, 14 people were trained to conduct the ACS Let’s Talk About ItProgram, an educational forum designed to assist men and women in better understanding prostate disease and other health issues. The program was valuable in helping individuals understand the importance of screening and developing a relationship with a healthcare provider. The trained individuals conducted several education forums at churches, barbershops, shelters, and special events in Detroit, reaching over 400 men and women.
In addition to health seminars, the collaborative facilitated a leadership breakfast event on June 7, 2010 and the Man Up, Walk the Walk for Healthy Families health walk and screening event at Belle Isle Park in Detroit on Sept. 11, 2010. Nearly 550 individuals attended the walk and screening event.
This important collaboration drew the attention and added sponsorship of five major health systems: Henry Ford Health System; St. John Providence Health System; Detroit Medical Center; Oakwood Healthcare; and the Karmanos Cancer Center. Each provided health screenings at the walk event, including: blood pressure; glucose; cholesterol; BMI; and PSA. The recipients received valuable health information as part of the screening process. Over 300 participants were screened, and 54 referrals to Federally Qualified Health Centers and free clinics were made.
Patient Connect Program Addressing: Breast, Cervical, Colorectal, Ovarian, Prostate, and Skin Cancers; Tobacco Control / Lung Cancer; Cancer Genomics; Cancer Survivorship; Clinical Trials; Environmental / Occupational Cancers; Healthy Lifestyles
Project description: Great Lakes Cancer Institute (GLCI), in partnership with the American Cancer Society, is expanding its services available through the GLCI Patient Connect Program. This partnership has developed personalized DVDs and Web-based access for some of the major cancer diagnoses for GLCI patients. The DVDs and their content can be utilized by patients as a reference following their physician visits, as information to share with their family and loved ones, and as an update along their treatment journey.
GLCI has expanded the program to offer personalized patient navigation through trained oncology nurses that provide cancer prevention and screening education referral, direction through the GLCI network of oncology specialists, supportive services, patient and family assistance, and updated cancer research news and information. GLCI is committed to providing these unique service opportunities in conjunction with many outreach programs provided by the American Cancer Society to each and every patient of the McLaren Healthcare System, as well as the communities of its Michigan service areas.
POH Regional Medical Center Sister & Sister Mammogram Screening Program Addressing: Breast Cancer
Project description:About five years ago, the Riley Foundation at POH Regional Medical Center began a free mammogram screening program, entitled Sister & Sister, for uninsured and underinsured women in Oakland County. Although the Riley Foundation funds covered mammograms, there were no funds available to pay for diagnostic and treatment services at POH Regional Medical Center.
Because POH Regional Medical Center was not a Breast and Cervical Cancer Control Program (BCCCP) approved site, women who were diagnosed with breast cancer had to receive their cancer treatment at another BCCCP-approved facility for their services to be reimbursed by the BCCCP Medicaid Treatment Act. To address this issue, POH Regional Medical Center worked closely with their local BCCCP Coordinator to establish POH Regional Medical Center as an approved BCCCP location.
Now, women who receive mammograms through POH Regional Medical Center and are eligible for the BCCCP, not only will have their treatment covered by the BCCCP Medicaid Treatment Act, but also can receive their treatment close to home at POH Regional Medical Center.
Physician champions were identified to oversee the diagnostic procedures and treatment plans, making it almost seamless for the women.
This mammogram screening program has served over 700 uninsured or underinsured women in Oakland County.
