Print this Page
E-mail This Page
Harrisburg Based Organization Receives National Award For Cancer Education and Control Efforts
PHILADELPHIA (October 18, 2001) -- The Cancer Information Service has awarded the Northern Appalachian Cancer Network its National Partnership Award, a distinction given annually to a select number of organizations nationwide that demonstrate outstanding dedication to cancer education and control. Ann Ward, of State College, is the Project Director for the Northern Appalachian Cancer Network.The Northern Appalachian Cancer Network (nACN) is based in State College, Pa. It is a regional branch of the Appalachia Cancer Network. The nACN is focused on 17 rural counties in Pennsylvania and New York, the second most rural territory in the United States. The organization is formally funded under the Northern Appalachia Leadership Initiative on Cancer.
The Atlantic Region of the Cancer Information Service (CIS) nominated the nACN for its consistent efforts in achieving a positive impact on the lives of this perennially underserved community. The Cancer Information Service is a program of the National Cancer Institute providing the latest, most accurate information about cancer to patients, their families, and the public.
"Ann Ward and those who serve the Northern Appalachian Cancer Network have found a unique approach to cancer control and have shown a heart-felt commitment to their mission," said Linda Fleisher, program director of the Atlantic Region of the CIS housed at Fox Chase Cancer Center in Philadelphia. "We are thrilled that they have been recognized nationally by the CIS and look forward to working together in the future."
In a region that has traditionally experienced higher poverty rates, lower education levels and limited access to health care, nACN is providing the assessment of cancer education needs, critically necessary in the support of the Appalachia Cancer Network. Through its established networks, nACN has provided support and guidance in the areas of program planning and implementation.
In partnership with the Cancer Information Service (CIS), community-based organizations such as health and human service agencies, schools, libraries and area health education centers, the nACN provides these underserved rural populations with cancer information and education and resources.
"The nACN has become a cornerstone of the cancer control community in Pennsylvania actively serving on state level committees, and participating in state-level planning with various breast cancer organizations, literacy councils, voluntary health organizations and other cancer control programs, like the CIS," Fleisher added. "This commitment to the broad arena of cancer control has helped bring the rural health issues to the forefront in our state."
The regional programs and research developed from the collaboration between the Atlantic Region CIS and the nACN will be vital to reaching these rural populations in ways that are effective, timely and culturally appropriate. The CIS works with nACN to vocalize the needs of this underserved community and tailor the approaches to reaching them. In support of nACN, the CIS has provided training to the staff as well as coalition members.
For the past 25 years, the Cancer Information Service (CIS) has provided the latest, most accurate information about cancer to patients, their families, and the public through its 1-800 4 CANCER phone service. The Cancer Information Service equips people with the reliable, science-based information they need to become active participants in their own health care - from prevention, to early detection, to treatment and survivorship.
Fox Chase Cancer Center, one of the nation's first comprehensive cancer
centers designated by the National Cancer Institute in 1974, conducts basic
and clinical research; programs of prevention, detection and treatment
of cancer; and community outreach. For more information about Fox Chase
activities, visit the Center's web site at www.fccc.edu.