The Greater Lowell Health Alliance (GLHA) of the Community Health Network Area 10 has been awarded a $100,000 grant for phase I of the Cancer Disparities Capacity Building Pilot Project. The funds were awarded through the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) and will be used to conduct an assessment of the health status of area residents, and describe cancer disparities and health inequities of interest and importance to the community. The GLHA will be collaborating with University of Massachusetts Lowell Center for Community Research and Engagement, Lowell General Hospital, Lowell Community Health Center and many other community organizations on this worthwhile project.
In Phase II, the GLHA will develop an action plan that will:
- Focus on prevention, screening, treatment and/or survivorship strategies for 1-2 of the top 5 cancers in Massachusetts (lung, breast, prostate, colorectal and cervical).
- Address health outcomes/health risks identified through our community needs assessments targeting the greatest needs.
- Select strategies that make the best use of available resources while capitalizing on community strengths and opportunities identified in the community needs assessment and building local capacity and sustainability.