NACS is partnering with UMN and other Community Collaborators in carrying
out “Community Networks Program (CNP) Centers for Reducing Cancer Disparities
through Outreach, Research, and Training (U54)”
The CNP is an initiative designed to address the cancer burden in racial/ethnic minorities and
other underserved populations by engaging community members through CBPR
CNP mission is to reduce cancer disparities experienced by racial/ethnic minority populations
in Minnesota with an initial focus on Minnesota’s growing new immigrant and refugee
populations.
CNP Specific Aims
Aim 1: To facilitate an increase in knowledge of, access to, and use of evidence-based breast
and cervical cancer screening programs among Minnesota’s Somali and Latino Communities
Aim 2: Using a CBPR approach, develop and conduct innovative research to increase the
use of evidence-based cancer prevention procedures among Minnesota’s Somali and Latino
communities
To recruit, train, and mentor a critical mass of students, faculty, and community members to
incorporate CBPR methods into their cancer research and promote their capacity to achieve
success as community engaged health disparity researchers and community members
Research Core
Aim 3: Develop a Collaborative Approach for CBPR Research on Cancer Disparities
across Academic Disciplines and Surrounding Community
- Annual Symposium
- Organize an Interdisciplinary CNP Grand Rounds
Aim 4: Disseminate Research Findings to University Researchers and Community
Groups
- Link with Community Outreach Core to disseminate results of projects to participating
communities
Community Collaborators
- Minnesota Cancer Alliance
- New Americans Community Services
- Centro Campesino
- Minnesota Department of Health
- American Cancer Society Midwest
University of Minnesota Collaborators
- Masonic Cancer Center
- Minnesota Area Health Education Centers
- Program in Health Disparities Research
- Center for Health Equity
- Clinical and Translational Science Institute
- Powell Center for Women’s Health
- Office of Public Engagement
- Office of Equity and Diversity
