ACCESS Recieves $20K Grant for Colorectal Cancer Program

A $20,000 grant will help ACCESS promote the life-saving benefits of early detection of colorectal cancer, the Dearborn nonprofit recently announced.

The American Cancer Society awarded the one-year, $20,000 grant to the ACCESS Community Health & Research Center. These grant dollars were sponsored by Walgreens to launch community-based programs aimed at increasing access to cancer information and education.

Nearly 150,000 people are diagnosed with colorectal cancer annually, according to the American Cancer Society. However, early detection can save the lives of those affected by the cancer. According to the Colon Cancer Alliance, more than 90 percent of those diagnosed when the cancer is found at an early stage survive five or more years

This is the first time that ACCESS has received ACS funding to increase colorectal cancer awareness among the American population of Southeastern Michigan.

The Colorectal Cancer Screening Awareness Campaign at ACCESS Community Health & Research Center will address issues of colorectal cancer disease risk, warning signs and the importance of regularly scheduled screenings for early detection. This campaign will educate health care professionals, develop and distribute educational bilingual materials, and conduct health education seminars in the community.

ACCESS has also committed to implementing a media campaign to increase awareness of the importance of colorectal screening for all adults over 50 years of age.

“Cancer control is faced with major barriers including stigma, cultural inhibition around chronic diseases, and access to care," Dr. Adnan Hammad, the Senior Director of the ACCESS Community Health & Research Center, said in a statement. "This important initiative has been designed as a community-based intervention with an emphasis on the early screening and detection of colorectal cancer.”

Funding for the community-based programs is part of Walgreens’ Way to Well Commitment, which focuses on improving everyday health through the prevention and early detection of today's leading diseases, like heart disease, cancer and diabetes.

“The generous contribution from Walgreens allows the American Cancer Society to implement community based programs that make a difference in the lives of individuals throughout across the country,” said Joenell Henry-Tanner, MPH, director of community initiatives. “In partnership with community health systems, community health workers and culturally diverse volunteers, we will make progress in the fight against cancer disparities.”

Walgreens and its customers’ donations have contributed to the funding of this program.

For more information on the CCSA Campaign at the ACCESS Community Health & Research Center, call Hiam Hamade at 313-216-2206.