With support from the VCU Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center, the Community Grants Initiative is further building the capacity of local organizations to bridge the gap between cancer research and the community.
February 5, 2024
Representatives from Health Brigade (formerly Fan Free Clinic) and Hitting Cancer Below the Belt accept funding from VCU Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center. (VCU Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center)
Written by Amy Lacy and Sarah McCloskey
VCU Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center continues to expand its partnerships to improve the health of Virginians by supporting community-based organizations.
This is the second year of Massey's community grants initiative. This initiative aims to provide funding to strengthen the capacity of local partners and bridge the gap between cancer research and communities. These organizations also work closely with cancer centers to increase support, engagement, and research opportunities to improve cancer treatment and patient health.
Financing is divided into three stages: seed, cultivation, and harvest. Seed grants are the first level of funding available through this initiative, awarding organizations $5,000 for one year.
One of the 2023 winners was Hitting Cancer Below the Belt (HCB2), a Midlothian-based nonprofit organization that has been providing colorectal cancer education and services since 2012. This seed grant helped HCB2 create educational resources in both English and Spanish to better support organizational partners. Educate and improve screening rates for patients over 45 years of age.
Massey team members also share guidance and expertise with community-based groups to improve patient outcomes. Collaboration and learning opportunities will help increase cancer screening and improve care for medically vulnerable and historically underserved populations.
“Since 2017, HCB2 has reduced significant barriers to colorectal cancer screening among low-income and uninsured populations related to screening access and cost for both stool-based tests and colonoscopies. , we have been working to eliminate it,” said Renee Malone, MPH, HCB2 Program Director. This effort helped address another major screening barrier related to the lack of provider-initiated discussion and screening recommendations. Through this work, we also learned additional issues surrounding patient navigation and language barriers that continue to impact timely screening. ”
New 2024 Community Seed Grant recipients will be announced in February.
Here is the complete list for 2023 Community Seed Grant recipients:
