Community Outreach and Engagement

Oregon Health & Science University, Portland OR

Investigators

Linked publications, trials & patents

Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY: Community Outreach and Engagement Jackilen Shannon, Ph.D., M.P.H., Associate Director of Community Outreach and Engagement Community Outreach and Engagement (COE) at the Knight Cancer Institute (KCI) is dedicated to identifying and addressing disparities in cancer burden across our catchment area, the state of Oregon, through engagement with our communities and KCI scientists. COE models our work on the nine Principles of Community Engagement defined by the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry and developed as part of the work of the Clinical and Translational Science Awards (CTSA) Consortium's Community Outreach and Engagement Function Committee. COE Associate Director, Jackilen Shannon, Ph.D., M.P.H. (CPC), and KCI Director Brian Druker, M.D. (TO) are advised by a Community Advisory Board and the KCI Research Integration Team and provide the broader vision for COE. Tiffani Howard, Ph.D., Research Assistant Director, oversees in- reach to KCI scientists and outreach through the Community Partnership Initiative. Amanda Bruegl, M.D. (CPC) is Clinical Assistant Director and facilitates communication between clinicians, clinical research, and COE. Building on the long-standing and trusted relationships between KCI and the community, COE activities are informed by four objectives: 1) DEFINE and MONITOR the cancer burden and cancer needs in Oregon through ongoing primary data collection, aggregation of existing data resources, and facilitated community input; 2) CONDUCT community-engaged outreach activities responsive to cancer needs in Oregon by engaging with our catchment area population to address cancer prevention, early detection, treatment, and survivorship needs, and to enhance the representation of all populations, particularly those disproportionally impacted by cancer; 3) FACILITATE research relevant to addressing the cancer priorities of the catchment area across all KCI programs; and 4) AMPLIFY the capacity of community programs and partners to effectively address their communities' greatest cancer-related concerns through community grants, training, and support. In collaboration with our community, we have identified priority cancers and behaviors as breast, lung/bronchial, colorectal, prostate, melanoma, pancreatic cancer, and leukemia/lymphoma, as well as tobacco use cessation and HPV vaccination. KCI priorities are identified through careful attention to identifying racial/ethnic, geographic, and other disparities and focusing on increasing engagement of under-represented groups. COE communicates cancer-related needs and disparities to KCI leadership and scientists; implements COE initiatives that are defined jointly by our community and KCI researchers; identifies community program activities and jointly implements cancer education, screening, and prevention programs; informs and aligns KCI research with our priorities; and strengthens our capacity to address cancer research needs in the community.