In recognition of its extensive work in eliminating cancer disparities in minority and vulnerable populations, the GW Cancer Institute (GWCI) was recently selected to serve as the coordinating body for the National Cancer Institute’s (NCI) Mid-Atlantic Region (Region 1) Geographical Management of Cancer Disparities Program (GMaP). This strategic initiative, funded through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA), will drive forward Region 1’s planning of collaborative projects, including future large-scale, multi- and trans-disciplinary “Center-level” GMaP grant applications in 2011.
The goal of this program, led by GWCI Executive Director Steven Patierno, Ph.D., is to create a state-of-the art regional network dedicated to cancer health disparities (CHD) research, training, and community interventions. Through GMaP, Region 1 participants will be better equipped to address the disparities in cancer risk, screening, treatments and outcomes for ethnic and racial minorities.
Eventually, GMaP will build a region-based “hub” for the support and efficient management of integrated regional research and training programs. This central entity will conduct joint regional workshops to facilitate communication and dissemination, implement region-wide community interventions, and develop planning and decision-making processes for sustainability of CHD efforts.
GMaP Region 1 includes the GW Cancer Institute, Georgetown Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Howard Cancer Center, the Preventorium at Washington Hospital Center, John Hopkins Cancer Center, University Maryland Greenbaum Cancer Center, University of the District of Columbia, Hampton University and Bowie State University. GMaP Region 1 partners engaged with NCI’s Center to Reduce Cancer Health Disparities through Minority Institutions/Cancer Center Partnership (MI/CCP), Continuing Umbrella of Research Experiences (CURE), the Community Networks Program (CNP), and the Patient Navigation Research Program (PNRP), and Biospecimen banking (BMAP).
