1. Evaluation of the Community Patient Navigation Program within the Community Education and Outreach Initiative (CEOI) Patient Navigation is one strategy to improve breast cancer detection, treatment, and care for underserved, uninsured, and underinsured women. The Avon Foundation CEOI is a community based patient navigation program with the primary goals of: Increasing awareness about breast cancer Increasing mammography screening among age eligible women residing in medically underserved communities Enhancing the process of receiving prevention and treatment services at Grady Health System in Atlanta, GA Tamara A. Mason, MPH, CHES; Winifred Wilkins Thompson, PhD, MSW; Dana Rogers, MSN; Dana Allen, BS; Sheryl G.A. Gabram-Mendola, MD, MBA, FACS; Kimberly Jacob Arriola, PhD, MPH The CEOI utilizes three types of Patient Navigators (PNs) to achieve its goals, including Community PNs. COMMUNITY PATIENT NAVIGATOR (N=22) Educate women about breast health and breast cancer Inform individuals of the benefits of early detection by conducting breast health events Follow-up with community members after the events to encourage them to make a mammogram appointment The American Cancer Society reports: African American (AA) women have a 38% higher mortality rate from breast cancer than white women AA women are less likely than white women to survive 5 years after diagnosis: 77% vs. 88% respectively AA women tend to be diagnosed with more advanced stage disease as compared to white women Source: American Cancer Society, Breast Cancer Facts & Figures 2009-2010, 2009 CEOI Program Structure Introduction Background Conclusion Patient Navigation may serve as a useful resource for encouraging mammography screening among underserved women. Future research may explore additional mechanisms through which Patient Navigation may impact community members’ health and well-being. Process Evaluation From August 2008-August 2010, Community Patient Navigators hosted 408 events (384 exhibits and 24 presentations) reaching 20,259 community members. Of the 690 community members who were reached at presentations: -94% of attendees were female -78% of attendees were AA -57% of attendees were 50+ -46% of attendees had an annual income of less than $20,00 -53% of attendees had some college education The top 3 locations where Community PNs hosted their events were Grady Neighborhood Health Clinics, other community clinics, and churches. 586 individuals have expressed interest in undergoing a mammogram to date. -156 (27%) were determined to need a diagnostic mammogram -429 (73%) were determined to need a screening mammogram 148 (25%) have come to Grady for a mammogram. Community PN Activities Community PNs provide culturally appropriate breast health education at community events. Community PNs recruit community members to complete mammography interest forms at the events. - information on the form is used to triage community members to either diagnostic or screening mammography services - community member contact information is also provided on the form & facilitates follow-up from the Community PN Community members are referred to a nurse practitioner, who determines eligibility for a free or low-cost mammogram. Community PNs deliver telephone follow-up to encourage community members to make & keep their mammogram appointments. PNs in the Community