EngagementXChange

UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO CANCER CENTER

OFFICE OF COMMUNITY OUTREACH & ENGAGEMENT

SEPTEMBER 19, 2024

COE team poses for a group photo. From left to right: Tatiana Gerena, Jan Lowery, Samantha Garcia, Lexi Lewis, Sindy Gonazlez, Jeanette Waxmonsky, Evelinn Borrayo, Daniel Pacheco, Cydney Jardine, and Carlo Caballero.

COMMUNITY VOICES IN ACTION COE CARES FEEDBACK HIGHLIGHTS

COE CARES (Community Advisors for Research Equity in Science) is a patient and caregiver panel that provides input to investigators at the CU Cancer Center. Seven CU investigators have presented their research to COE CARES since March 2024; one grant was submitted and approved, and two members are currently assisting investigators with their grants. Meredith Tennis, PhD presented on the four CU Cancer Center programs (Cancer Prevention and Control, Developmental Therapeutics, Molecular and Cellular Oncology, Tumor Host Interactions), and Sonja Blazekovic shared insights from the Cancer Clinical Trials Office.

SERVING THE COMMUNITY SUMMER 2024 MAY - SEPTEMBER

261 radon test kits distributed

117 people educated about colorectal cancer

100 FIT kits distributed

44 Spanish-speaking patients assisted with screening, treatment, and referrals

14 patients educated about cancer clinical trials

COE CARES members and CU Cancer Center staff at the February 2024 meeting.

9 patients currently enrolled in clinical trials

ENGAGEMENT EXPRESS OUR JOURNEY ACROSS COLORADO

Since May, our team has visited 15 counties, engaging with over 1,000 community members through outreach events.

These efforts help us connect with our communities, share important cancer information, and strengthen our impact across the state. Next, we’ll be at the following events: Health and Wellness Expo: October 2 Thornton, CO Feria de Salud Semana Binacional: October 11 Denver, CO 4th Annual Embracing Aging on the Square: October 11 Sterling, CO La Cuspide: October 12, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Regis University, 3333 Regis Blvd, Denver, CO 80221

Tatiana Gerena representing COE at Feria de Regreso a Clases this summer.

COMPASSION IN ACTION IMPACTFUL PATIENT JOURNEYS

Samantha Garcia interviewed with Denver7 News to discuss the importance of patient navigation, particularly for bilingual patients who face access barriers.

Watch the interview on the Denver7 News website.

Patient navigation is vital in removing barriers to care, ensuring timely treatments, and guiding patients through complex healthcare systems. This support is especially important for our work with Spanish-speaking patients who often face language barriers. By providing bilingual support and personalized guidance, COE Patient Navigators help improve outcomes and enhance care for our diverse community.

Connect with us at COE@CUAnschutz.edu.

Breast Cancer Treatment: One patient had been waiting a long time for treatment after a positive mammogram. With Samantha, the case was swiftly managed and surgery scheduled. Another patient had waited over two years for a surgery referral after breast cancer treatment, and thanks to Sam’s persistence, the patient was finally scheduled.

Colon Cancer Screening: After waiting a long time for a colonoscopy following a positive FIT result, one patient finally received the care they needed. Thanks to the efforts of Samantha Garcia, COE Patient Navigator, their case was quickly handled, and the procedure was scheduled within a week of being referred to COE.