COMMUNITY OUTREACH IN 2019
GP Health continues its extensive community outreach efforts to educate the community about cancer, working in conjunction with community partners such as the American Cancer Society, Wellness Works, North Platte Recreation Complex, Community Connections Tobacco Free Lincoln County Coalition, and The Visiting Nurse Association-funded by Susan G. Comen of NE. Our team develops cancer awareness programs that teach preventive measures and lifestyle changes—such as smoking cessation, dietary modifications and exercise—that aid in reducing incidents of cancer. Outreach is conducted in a variety of ways, including lectures, broadcast media, web-based media, health fairs, brochures and other written media. The Cancer Committee chose to emphasize and promote skin cancer screening for 2019. Skin cancer is the most prevalent type of cancer in the United States, with more than two million people diagnosed annually. The majority of cases are caused by exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light that is generated by the sun or indoor tanning devices. In addition to skin cancer, UV light can cause wrinkles, dark spots and other signs of premature aging. This damage is completely preventable, though, and skin cancer can often be cured if it is found and treated early. “Melanoma Monday” was held on May 6, 2019, with free skin cancer screenings offered by Dr. Mosel at Greater NE Dermatology and Dr. Bunker from Platte Valley Skin Clinic. There were 80 people screened, with nine basal cell carcinomas, one squamous cell carcinoma, and two melanomas diagnosed. Each case was followed by appropriate referrals and treatment. For our 2019 Prevention Program, the Cancer Committee is seeking to raise awareness of the importance of HPV immunization. The human papilloma virus is associated with female cancers and head and neck cancers in men. This virus is now highly preventable with the HPV vaccine. A special educational opportunity was hosted by Great Plains Pediatrics over the lunch hour by Dennis L Vicker, MD, MPH-BIO, on HPV immunizations. In addition to holding or facilitating many other cancer awareness and prevention programs, Great Plains Health also sponsors or facilitates access to support groups for cancer patients and their families. We continually assess the needs of our community and design programs and strategies to address those needs.
Other prevention, education and support programs: • Lymphedema Education and Prevention • Couch to 5K • Palliative Care Services • 2018 Cancer Symposium • NEBRASKAland Days, Tough Enough To Wear Pink • A Gift of Hope • National Cancer Survivors’ Day • Grief Counseling • Footsteps Grief Camp (children and parent/guardian) • I Can Cope • Women’s Cancer Survivor support group • A Time to Heal support group • Look Good, Feel Better The Callahan Cancer Center reaches beyond our immediate community to provide cancer care as close to your home as possible. The medical oncology programs include the following communities: • Benkelman • Broken Bow • Calloway • Gothenburg • Grant • Imperial • Lexington • McCook • Ogallala • Ord • Valentine • Pastoral Care • Relay for Life • Community wellness events
written by:
Pam Garrick, BS Community Outreach Coordinator
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