Brent Braswell, NP at Corner Medical advocates for cancer screenings with his patients.
The Dartmouth Cancer Center has awarded NVRH a 12-month community outreach and education grant aimed at improving breast and colorectal cancer screening rates across the Northeast Kingdom (NEK).
The initiative will focus on increasing awareness, reducing barriers to care, and strengthening pathways to preventive screenings and early detection services for vulnerable populations throughout the region. The project reflects NVRH’s ongoing commitment to improving community health outcomes and addressing disparities identified through local Community Health Needs Assessment efforts.
The grant-supported work will include:
- Community education and outreach campaigns
- Development of easy-to-understand cancer prevention resources
- Expanded screening reminders and patient engagement tools
- Community events and provider-led education opportunities
- Efforts to improve access and coordination for breast and colorectal cancer screenings
A volunteer helps welcome patients to the mammography area at NVRH’s Diagnostic Imaging department.
As part of the planning process, NVRH conducted a community survey to better understand why individuals may delay or avoid recommended screenings. Survey findings identified several common barriers, including fear or anxiety about procedures or results, cost and insurance concerns, scheduling challenges, lack of awareness about being due for screening, transportation limitations, and not having a regular primary care provider.
The initiative is being guided by an interdisciplinary Cancer Prevention Committee that includes practice leadership, Community Health Improvement, Communications, population health nursing, the Chief Medical Officer, and support from general surgeons and primary care providers. The collaborative group is working together to strengthen education, improve screening workflows, reduce barriers to care, and develop coordinated outreach strategies that meet the needs of communities across the NEK.
Using community feedback and clinical expertise, the initiative will develop targeted educational messaging and culturally responsive outreach strategies designed to meet community members where they are. Planned outreach activities include social media campaigns, radio and movie theater advertisements, informational videos, educational panels, local event participation, and partnerships with community organizations and employers throughout the NEK.
The project will also work to strengthen healthcare system workflows and improve screening coordination through enhanced reminders, proactive outreach, expanded referral pathways, and collaboration between primary care, diagnostic imaging, care coordinators, community health workers, and community partners.
“This initiative is about helping individuals understand the importance of preventive screenings, reducing barriers to care, and ensuring our communities feel supported and connected to resources,” said NVRH VP of Community Health Improvement. “Early detection saves lives, and we are grateful for the partnership and support from Dartmouth Cancer Center to help advance this important work in the Northeast Kingdom.”
The grant initiative runs from December 2025 through November 2026 and will include ongoing evaluation of outreach participation, community engagement, and improvements in screening rates for breast and colorectal cancer across the region.