Posted on September 20, 2005 at 12:32 p.m.
BIRMINGHAM, AL — UAB’s Center for Community Health Resource Development has received a three-year, $150,000 grant from the Lance Armstrong Foundation (LAF) to develop and implement CARES (Congregational Advocates Reaching Out and Empowering Survivors). The grant is one of 31 recently awarded by LAF to support community programs for people living with the physical, emotional and practical challenges of cancer.
The Lance Armstrong Foundation, founded in 1997 by cancer survivor, champion cyclist and seven-time Tour de France winner Lance Armstrong, provides information and resources to inspire and empower people affected by cancer. The UAB grant was awarded by LAF as part of its Community Program to provide financial support for community-focused initiatives.
“From screening and early detection to end-of-life issues, there is a real need for cancer education and support services, especially in underserved communities where residents are disproportionately affected by many diseases, including cancer,” said Mary B. Evans, who leads the project for the center, housed in the UAB School of Public Health.
The UAB initiative will work with Congregations for Public Health, a partnership of six local African-American churches that serve as health resource centers for their communities. “Through trained lay health care teams in these churches and outreach into their communities, we will identify and fill gaps in the cancer education and support services that are currently offered,” Evans said.
“The LAF grant will play a vital role in our center’s efforts to address cancer disparities. We are excited and honored to be among such an extraordinary group of recipients who all share a passion for helping people with cancer ‘live strong.’ ”
The first year of CARES will focus on identifying specific community needs; developing a curriculum, training and outreach materials; and educating pastors and lay health advisors, or congregational advocates, about cancer treatment and survivorship issues, including end-of-life issues. “In year two, we will develop and put in place plans for each church to identify and support cancer survivors and their family and friends within their congregation,” Evans said. “Year three, we will expand the program outside those congregations to the surrounding communities.”
The UAB project and other funded initiatives support the National Action Plan for Cancer Survivorship, a comprehensive plan developed by LAF and the CDC to help health organizations, physicians and caregivers understand and address the needs of cancer survivors.
“We are pleased to support UAB in its efforts to improve the quality of life of cancer survivors and their loved ones,” said Andy Miller, associate director of public health at LAF.
More information about LAF and its Community Program is available at www.livestrong.org.