In August 2020, the JPS Health Network Center for Epidemiology & Healthcare Delivery Research, Foundation, and Community Health applied for funding from the American Cancer Society (ACS) and National Football League's Crucial Catch Initiative. The aim was to address the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on healthcare services with regard to cancer screenings for patients.
ACS has donated a total of $200,000 to JPS to enhance cancer screening rates and access to care in the community, including the contribution of $100,000 on Wednesday, June 12, through the Get Screened Campaign.
"American Cancer Society and JPS have a long history of working together to focus on cancer prevention," said Steven Lange, ACS, Director, Regional Corporate Relations. "We have a true grant agreement with JPS to deliver things throughout the year. So, the funds are used by JPS as they see fit within the realm of screening. The funds can be used to build awareness, help with costs related to clinic operations, or process improvement that may make it more efficient for the teams to see more patients."
The campaign's primary goal is to improve patient access to preventative measures. By partnering with ACS, JPS aims to expand and make resources more easily accessible for our community.
"Knowing the great work that JPS does in the community, we knew that they were a great partner to work with," Lange said. "JPS is one in eight healthcare systems in this cohort, so we're working with over 40 community clinics across north Texas to help increase cancer screenings for the types of cancer each group decides their patients need the most."
JPS has decided to use the grant to focus on colorectal cancer. The network is planning to mail free Fecal Immunochemical Test (FIT) kits to patients ages 50-75 years, and have panel care coordinators reach out to patients to provide education on the importance of prevention. They will also send text reminders to patients with a video link to instructions in English and Spanish.
"Since we started our partnership, colorectal cancer screening rates have increased by 11% among eligible JPS primary care patients at our 14 primary care clinics," Rachel Meadows, PhD, Research Scientist/Manager, Center for Epidemiology and Healthcare Delivery Research said. "Our patients get a free cancer screening that they can also do at home without coming in, so we are increasing access and reducing barriers. We hope to catch colorectal cancer at earlier stages when treatment is most effective and patient outcomes are most promising."