Building on a successful pilot program that increased colorectal cancer screening rates among its patients, the Community Health Center of the New River Valley is expanding its partnership with the UVA Cancer Center, seeking to boost screening rates to 80% of eligible patients.
Backed by a three-year, $600,000 grant from the Jeffress Trust Grant Program, the two centers will hire a cancer screening navigator for the Community Health Center of the New River Valley’s three locations to help make it easier for patients to access these potentially lifesaving screenings. The community health center serves all patients, regardless of their insurance status or ability to pay.
“To be able to bring more personalized care to our patients through use of a cancer screening navigator, we will hopefully break down some barriers of the fear of both colorectal cancer screening and cancer diagnosis in general,” Michelle Brauns, chief executive officer of Community Health Center of the New River Valley, said. “Early diagnosis generally leads to more effective treatment and a better outlook for both the patient and families.” Read More>