Nashville General Hospital Foundation Secures American Cancer Society Grant for Prostate Cancer Screening Program

Nashville General Hospital Foundation Secures American Cancer Society Grant for Prostate Cancer Screening Program

NASHVILLE, TN, September 16, 2024 - The Nashville General Hospital Foundation is proud to announce its selection for a prestigious grant from the American Cancer Society, aimed at supporting the Nashville Health Care Center (NHC) as a participant site in the Prostate Cancer Screening IMPACT ECHO program. This initiative is part of a broader national effort to improve prostate cancer outcomes and address disparities in Black/African American communities.

On September 7th, the foundation kicked off the first of many screenings at Lake Providence Missionary Baptist Church, making critical prostate cancer screenings more accessible to men across Nashville. Through the IMPACT ECHO program, NHC can bring lifesaving early detection services directly into faith-based communities, reinforcing its long-standing commitment to proactive, community-centered healthcare.

Dr. Alicia Fair, Chief Population Health and Research Officer at Nashville General Hospital, highlights the importance of these screenings: “We are able to provide prostate cancer education by meeting people where they are. Through the support of Project ECHO and American Cancer Society funding, we can reach African-American men in their faith-based communities, allowing them to engage in meaningful one-on-one conversations about their prostate health. This initiative helps us overcome barriers by creating a comfortable setting for men to learn about their risks and get screenings outside of typical working hours."

Ashia Cooper-Colquitt, Senior Director of Clinical Operations, emphasizes the significance of early detection, especially in communities that have historically avoided proactive screenings. “Finding ways to screen people earlier, especially a population that is historically averse to proactive screening, is incredibly helpful,” she said. “With grants like this, we can catch cancer in its early stages, which makes treatment not only more effective but also cost-efficient. Many of our patients are uninsured or underinsured, so offering these services at no cost can be life-changing.”

This grant allows the Nashville Health Care Center to continue expanding its reach, furthering the hospital’s mission to provide equitable, patient-centered care to all members of the community. By focusing on early detection and education, this partnership with the American Cancer Society is set to make a lasting impact on the health and well-being of Nashville residents.

For more information, visit NashGenFoundation.org.

About NCI Project ECHO® Program

The NCI Project ECHO® Program, led by the Center for Global Health, is an online platform fostering the exchange of scientific knowledge to advance global cancer control. It provides equitable access to information and technical resources through video conferencing, building networks among researchers, clinicians, and policymakers in low- and middle-income countries. The program creates communities of practice, supports national cancer control plans, and strengthens research and implementation capacity, focusing on evidence-based cancer control in diverse regions. For more information about this program, visit: Prostate Cancer Screening IMPACT ECHO.

About Nashville General Hospital Foundation

Founded in 2016, the Nashville General Hospital Foundation evolved from the Friends in General charity, supporting Nashville General Hospital at Meharry since 1977. Initially focused on raising funds for baby blankets and patient care services, the Foundation now plays a critical role in advancing the hospital’s mission to provide high-quality, patient-centered care. Dedicated to Elevating, Inspiring, and Nurturing a Healthier Nashville, the Foundation strives to enhance health through patient care, education, and research. By fostering community engagement and nurturing meaningful relationships, they aim to improve access to healthcare and empower all Nashvillians to achieve new heights of wellness. Together, they are building a vibrant community where health and well-being thrive, and individuals can flourish.

For more information, visit www.nashgenfoundation.org.