Native American Community Clinic

Collaborating on Objective 2: Increase risk-appropriate screening for breast, cervical and colorectal cancers

Summary: Identify a streamlined option for patients without transportation and/or a representative for sign out procedures through an establishment of community partnerships and preferred providers of colonoscopies.

Collaborators include:

• American Indian Cancer Foundation (MCA): Joy Rivera & Anne Walaszek
• American Cancer Society (MCA): Patricia Ruiz de Somocurcio
• Minnesota Dept. of Health SAGE Scopes Program (MCA): Dai Vu
• Colorectal Cancer Coalition (MCA): Anne Carlson
• Hennepin County Medical Center (MCA): TBD
• Minnesota Gastroenterology (MCA): TBD
• University of Minnesota MHealth Endoscopy (MCA): TBD

Utilizing Indigenous Survivor Stories

Collaborating on Objective 2: Increase risk-appropriate screening for breast, cervical and colorectal cancers

Summary: Through attendance at powwows and other cultural and community events across 6 tribal communities, an American Indian colon cancer survivor will share his story alongside a community health worker (CHW) who will provide education and support for cancer screening options. The best practices established will be shared with clinics and a video will be produced that can be utilized in the future by clinics and CHWs.

Collaborators include:

• Joy Rivera and Laura Sioux Roberts, American Indian Cancer Foundation
• Anne Carlson, Colon Cancer Coalition
• Liz Wilson-Lopp and Dai Vu, Minnesota Department of Health

Radon

Collaborating on Objective: 15. Reduce radon exposure in residential properties

Summary:  This public/private partnership will demonstrate the feasibility of industry-driven discounted radon mitigation to populations in need.  A video documenting the project of mitigation of 5-10 homes will be produced and shared with the MN chapter of the American Association of Radon Scientists and Technologists (AARST).

Collaborators include:

• John Daly, Midwest Radon Specialists
• Mike Thompson, Midwest Radon Specialists
• Amanda Pederson, A Breath of Hope Lung Foundation
• Dan Tranter, Minnesota Department of Health – Indoor Air Unit

MN Palliative Care Advisory Council

Objective 18: Increase the utilization of palliative care services

Summary:  The Palliative Care Advisory Council will establish an agreed upon definition of palliative care to raise awareness and from there use consistent web messaging about palliative care.  They will generate a partnership strategy to support collaborative learning ventures to establish and grow new programs.  In addition, through an assessment of palliative care professionals in MN they will determine strategies to increase the palliative care training support for health professionals.

Collaborators include:

• Jessica Hausauer, Minnesota Network of Hospice and Palliative Care and Palliative Care Advisory Council Chair
• Deb Laxson, Health Care Agent Literacy Project, LLC; Palliative Care Advisory Council
• Jody Chrastek, Fairview Home Care and Hospice; Pediatric Palliative Care Coalition of MN and Palliative Care Advisory Council

The Minnesota Cancer Alliance is pleased offer Strategy Action Group project funding, with support from the Minnesota Department of Health’s Comprehensive Cancer Control Program. This funding supports MCA Strategy Action Groups across Minnesota in implementing new projects related to Cancer Plan MN 2025.

What are Strategy Action Groups? They are formal or informal partnerships between at least two MCA member organizations who have agreed to align their work around at least one objective of Cancer Plan MN 2025. Newly formed and existing teams are eligible to apply for this funding.

The intent of this funding is to support ideas and strategies to reduce the burden of cancer in Minnesota. Eligible proposals should:

• Address at least one objective from Minnesota Cancer Plan 2025.
• Support a partnership of at least 2 (new or existing) MCA members, and may involve additional partners who are not MCA members.
• Not exceed $5,000 in requested funding.
• The project must include an element of sustainability, something that will continue after the funding ends.
• Designate an organization or individual to act as fiscal agent and signatory to an agreement with MDH for distribution of the funds.
• Submit a project timeline which includes key project benchmarks and the project start and end dates. Note that due to requirements related to MDH’s fiscal year, all costs must be incurred by June 29 and invoiced by no later than July 8.

Applications accepted year-round; steering committee reviews new applications in the months of January, July, and October, with no grants awarded from April-June due to fiscal year end on June 29th. Application forms below

Please contact Phitz Nantharath at phitz.nantharath@state.mn.us. with questions or for more information.

Strategic Action Project Application: