By Amy Lacey and Sara McCloskey

African Americans are diagnosed with colorectal cancer at alarming rates, higher than any other racial or ethnic group in the United States. This population is 20% more likely to be diagnosed and about 40% more likely to die from it than other groups of people.

That’s why Community Transformers Foundation (CTF) is motivated to set up workshops about colon cancer with faith-based partners throughout the African American community and research the best approaches to share this information with them.

But the foundation’s work wouldn’t be possible without the support of grant funding, including the seed grant it received this year from VCU Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center’s Community Grant Initiative. Started in December 2021, the initiative has supported 16 organizations to address health equity and reduce the suffering of those diagnosed with cancer, from prevention through survivorship.

Raising more awareness about screening opportunities is one of the main focuses of CTF’s program. The foundation works in the south central and southwestern regions of the commonwealth and aims to increase access to health care, primary care and healthy food for urban, rural and historically marginalized Virginians.

“The goal of this project is to provide education to the predominantly African American population to promote prevention awareness and encourage earlier screenings. Additionally, the project seeks to identify the obstacles to cancer prevention, detection and treatment,” said Nicole Hall, executive director of CTF. “[A survey we are distributing] is designed to gather insightful data that will improve the development and targeted delivery of our cancer educational initiative.”

CTF is using the $5,000 grant to purchase gift cards and supplies, provide volunteer stipends, print educational material and create a project manager position on the team.

Hall also recognizes that CTF’s partnership with Massey comes with other benefits, which will help them to tailor their educational approaches to their community members’ needs.

“Massey has access to the most current research and data in the area of colorectal cancer,” Hall commented. “This will be invaluable as we create our presentation and disseminate information to our faith-based partners and fellow community members. The acquired funding will allow us to extend our impact within the community as we give incentives for feedback. This allows us to see the impact of the workshop facilitated in the communities as well as gather data.”

As CTF pursues health and social equity, it is expanding its reach by opening a new satellite office in South Hampton Roads, in addition to its corporate offices in Hopewell.

CTF is one of three community-led initiatives using funding from Massey to expand their efforts to improve health outcomes for Virginians in 2024. The seed grant is the first round of funding from the Community Grant Initiative, with the highest grant being $50,000.