Findings from the Community Health Intervention Program in South Carolina: Implications for Reducing Cancer-Related Health Disparities

Abstract

BACKGROUND The South Carolina Cancer Prevention and Control Research Network (SC-CPCRN) implemented the Community Health Intervention Program (CHIP) mini-grants initiative to address cancer-related health disparities and reduce the cancer burden among high-risk populations across the state. The mini-grants project implemented evidence-based health interventions tailored to the specific needs of each community. OBJECTIVE To support the SC-CPCRN’s goals of moving toward greater dissemination and implementation of evidence-based programs in the community to improve public health, prevent disease, and reduce the cancer burden. METHODS Three community-based organizations were awarded $10,000 each to implement one of the National Cancer Institute’s evidence-based interventions. Each group had 12 months to complete their project. SC-CPCRN investigators and staff provided guidance, oversight, and technical assistance for each project. Grantees provided regular updates and reports to their SC-CPCRN liaisons to capture vital evaluation information. RESULTS The intended CHIP mini-grant target population reach was projected to be up to 880 participants combined. Actual combined reach of the three projects reported upon completion totaled 1,072 individuals. The majority of CHIP participants were African-American females. Participants ranged in age from 19 to 81 years. Evaluation results showed an increase in physical activity, dietary improvements, and screening participation. CONCLUSIONS The success of the initiative was the result of a strong community-university partnership built on trust. Active two-way communication and an honest open dialogue created an atmosphere for collaboration. Communities were highly motivated. All team members shared a common goal of reducing cancer-related health disparities and building greater public health capacity across the state.

The Cancer Prevention and Control Research Network: An Interactive Systems Approach to Advancing Cancer Control Implementation Research and Practice

“…CPCRN researchers from Emory, UTH, Texas A&M, UCLA, and USC have instituted minigrant programs (ranging from $3,500–$12,000/participating organization) as another approach to supporting CBOs’ implementation of specific EBIs that have proven to be effective at changing diet, physical activity, and screening behaviors (37, 39, 42, 43). The training and technical assistance offered typically focused on several of the GTO steps, including goal setting, addressing capacity, planning, implementing, and evaluating.…”

Patient and Provider Perspectives on the Relationship Between Multiple Morbidity Management and Disease Prevention

“…As suggested by our participants, in the rural context characterized by scarce resources, outreach can be achieved by identifying and activating community resources. Partnering with popular community venues, including retail shopping locations, religious institutions, and community centers, has the potential of pulling in a broader base of community members than only those with chronic conditions already served by providers (McCracken et al, 2013). …”

Use of Mini-Grant to Disseminate Evidence-Based Interventions for Cancer Prevention and Control

“…19 Applicants were asked to implement an evidence-based intervention from the RTIPs website. The three mini-grant projects, funded at $10,000 each, adapted evidence-based programs to meet the self-identified needs of their communities effectively using community health educators and partners to build public health capacity.…”

“…18 Throughout the implementation phase of an intervention, multiple methods of communication (e.g., e-mail, teleconference, site visits) have been utilized for project oversight, guidance, and TA and this communication is often tailored and made relevant to the needs and capabilities of each organization. 19 …”

“…The enthusiasm of a community with a recognized health need, funds for the actual implementation of the evidence-based intervention, and oversight and TA can build capacity for evidence-based approaches to health behavior change and improvement of health outcomes. 17,19 For example, the Texas Tobacco Prevention Initiative provided $2,000 mini-grants for up to two years to schools to follow CDC Guidelines to Prevent Tobacco Use and Addiction. 27 The People with Arthritis Can Exercise (PACE) program gave $2,000 mini-grants to community organizations to support training and program start-up costs.…”