Services

The Native American Outreach Program at Huntsman Cancer Institute (HCI) helps American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) individuals, their families, the AI/AN community, and the research community by providing cancer education, outreach, and other forms of support.

Services include the following:

1. Education about cancer prevention, screening, and treatment specifically designed for AI/AN people
2. AI/AN youth mentoring to encourage careers in oncology
3. Individual, couples, family, and group cancer support and referral
4. Genetic testing
5. Patient advocacy
6. Grants and research for cancer education programs
7. Reverse Capacity Building through training, education, and awareness of researchers, doctors, and organizations working with AI/AN communities

Education
One major goal of HCI’s Native American Outreach Program is to educate AI/AN people about cancer prevention, screening, and treatment options.

The program provides information about cancer risk, warning signs, and screening through the following:

1. Public health events
2. Brochures and pamphlets
3. Classes
4. Radio messages

Another important facet of the program offers help to AI/AN people in navigating the health-care system after a cancer diagnosis.

Brochures
Native American Outreach
Warning Signs and Screening Information
Native American Cancer Risk
Native American Smoking Cessation Campaign
Huntsman Cancer Institute Online Educational Brochures

Mentoring
HCI’s Native American Outreach Program mentors Native American students to promote careers in oncology. Efforts include offering middle and high school presentations about oncology careers and the CURE internship program.

Support
HCI’s Native American Outreach Program provides the following support services:

1. Education and outreach programs in AI/AN communities
2. Assistance in navigating the health-care system
3. Referrals to medical and support services
4. Support to develop local cancer education services
5. Educational materials for local groups
6. Assistance in ensuring consideration of cultural beliefs and traditions, when requested

Genetic Testing
Certain forms of cancer occur at high rates in the AI/AN community. HCI’s Native American Outreach Program provides information and referrals for genetic testing. Genetic testing allows individuals to find out whether they are at higher risk for cancer and take a proactive approach to screening and prevention. Assistance in receiving referrals for counseling and /or testing for inherited forms of cancer is available on request.

Advocacy
HCI’s Native American Outreach Program supports AI/AN patients in all aspects of cancer. Advocates can assist patients and their families with the following:

1. Navigating the health-care system
2. Helping patients find resources and support

Grants and Research
HCI’s Native American Outreach Program seeks grants and research money to benefit the AI/AN community. Research and grant money supports the following:

1. Outreach and education programs
2. Student mentoring programs

View a list of GRANTS

Reverse Capacity Building
Researchers, scientists, doctors, and organizations work to improve cancer education, screening, and care in AI/AN communities. HCI’s Native American Outreach Program, through what is called reverse capacity building, helps these people and organizations become more effective in their efforts by providing training and education that improves their understanding in the following areas:

1. Cultural awareness
2. Tribal sovereignty
3. Tribal resources and networks