ONS Connect - January 2008 - (Page 12)

In 2006, ONS chapters were involved in more than 500 community events and reached more than one million people. nurse practitioner in the Norris Cotton Cancer Center at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center (DHMC) in Lebanon, NH, upholds Roblee’s assertion that staying abreast of cancer trends in the community is vital to successful partnerships with other organizations. “I stay up to date with the American Cancer Society’s publications of cancer incidence in our states,” says Scott. “There are counties in which the incidence of colon cancer is higher than in other areas. Our chapter was able to build upon our preexisting relationships with hospitals and DHMC’s healthcare providers and surgeons in these areas to formulate an outreach plan.” Coordination and networking with organizations to build strong partnerships 12 ONS CONNECT are essential to a program’s success and longevity. Scott explains, “There were 11 regional cancer program clinics located throughout New Hampshire and Vermont, where providers from the Norris Cotton Cancer Center travel to care for people with cancer close to their homes; several of the clinics are located in the counties where colon cancer rates were statistically higher. A barrier to screening may be a lack of education regarding the benefits of screening.” To improve screening rates, Scott’s chapter developed an outreach program. After receiving an unrestricted educational grant from Pfizer, Scott and her chapter partnered with healthcare professionals and health fairs in the communities to bring the program full circle. Roblee supports the idea of developing a shared vision as an impetus for improving community health care. “Our chapter’s Community Outreach Committee recognized the need and strength of collaborating with area organizations. Through collaboration, we can reach more people.” Getting the word Out So how did these two cutting-edge chapters market and execute their programs to get results and impact their communities? Roblee’s chapter organized an afternoon tea program, which included an educational program on breast and cervical cancer prevention presented by the chapter’s nurses. The program also offered a fashion show, JANUARY 2008

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ONS Connect - January 2008 Contents Editor's Note Just In Up Front You Tell Us Up Close & Professional Web Connect Capitol Connection Notice Nursing Now Caregiver Care Five Minute In-Service New Treatments, New Hope Calendar of Events ONS Election Working For You Staying On Top

ONS Connect - January 2008

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