To expand access to cancer screenings for underserved groups in Central, Southside and Southwest Virginia, UVA Cancer Center is establishing partnerships with community health centers serving those regions.
One partnership is with Central Virginia Health Services and Tri-Area Community Health, and a second is with Blue Ridge Medical Center. Both partnerships are supported by $500,000 grants from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to improve equity in cancer screenings. The three health centers serve all patients, regardless of their insurance status or ability to pay.
Cancer is the second-leading cause of death in the U.S. and is responsible for nearly 600,000 deaths each year, according to HHS. which notes that significant disparities remain in cancer screenings and follow-up care based on patients’ income, health insurance and race or ethnicity.
The HHS grants are designed to support President Biden’s Cancer Moonshot Initiative, which includes closing the gap in cancer screenings among its goals.