Grassroots Community Fundraising and Advocacy to Reduce Breast Cancer Mortality in Ohio Through Patient Navigation and Safety-Net Programs

Authors

Julie McMahon, Susan G. Komen Columbus

Files

Abstract

Ohio has the third highest breast cancer mortality rate of any state in the U.S. In 2016, 1,700 women will die from breast cancer in Ohio. When diagnosed at early stages, survival and quality of life are improved. Barriers to care like finances, health literacy, insurance coverage, fear and transportation contribute to late-stage diagnoses. A community needs assessment of 30 counties in central and southeast Ohio was conducted to inventory all health system assets, healthy policy impacts, and collect qualitative data to identify local barriers and solutions to reduce mortality. Results were used to develop a multi-level approach to reduce mortality. On an individual level, navigation systems to educate and link patients to screening and navigation systems to assess and address barriers to screening and follow-up are being implemented. On a policy level, grassroots advocacy work has resulted in proposed legislation to adapt an existing state safety-net program to better address the post- Affordable Care Act needs of Ohio's breast cancer patients. Together, the adjustment safety net programs to current needs and the innovation of patient navigation as a model to address the needs of the community will work to reduce mortality in the state.

Publication Date

10-7-2016

Disciplines

Health Policy | Medicine and Health Sciences

Recommended Citation

McMahon, Julie, "Grassroots Community Fundraising and Advocacy to Reduce Breast Cancer Mortality in Ohio Through Patient Navigation and Safety-Net Programs" (2016). Learning Showcase 2016: A Celebration of Discovery, Transformation and Success. 19.
https://fuse.franklin.edu/ss2016/19