Thank you to all that traveled to Helena to attend the 2019 Montana Cancer Coalition Spring Statewide meeting focused on Health Equity and our work towards the reduction of disparities in Montana. This meeting resulted in record breaking attendance and the joining of many new faces to our organization!
We, along with the membership of the Montana American Indian Women’s Health Coalition (MAIWHC) were honored to host Dr. Donald Warne MD, MPH, Associate Dean in the office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion from the University of North Dakota. As our keynote speaker, Dr. Warne gave an incredibly informative presentation focused on the areas of diversity, equity versus equality, and the importance of our work to improve social determinants of health for disparate populations.
A full summary of Dr. Warne’s presentation can be found here: Dr Warne Summary
Dr. Warne’s presentation slides can be found here: Warne–MT CC_2019
Dr. Warne’s presentation was also recorded. Should you have Facebook, please request to join the MTCC Facebook Page. You will then be able to access this presentation here: https://www.facebook.com/MTCancerCoalition/videos/457838341678961/
During the remainder of the day, we heard additional presentations from our partners at Riverstone Health on the work of their own American Indian Screening Media Project, as well as the impact of Social Determinants of Health on Cancer Outcomes from Emily Coyle (American Cancer Society) and Savannah Sinquah (Riverstone Health).
The MTCC leadership was proud to present Executive Director of Messengers for Health Alma McCormick, with the prestigious Bette Bohlinger Leadership Award for her exemplary efforts within cancer control in Indian Country.
More on the Bette Bohlinger award and 2019 recipient Alma McCormick can be found here: https://ktvh.com/news/2019/05/07/hardin-woman-receives-2019-bette-bohlinger-leadership-award/?fbclid=IwAR2_OFY3lJggWaz-TLnWqYS2a-9kj1CblF7x5NwnptaLGhjXLSsMR0qEZmg
Additionally, the seven MTCC Implementation teams took the afternoon to host breakout sessions and welcome new and current members to their teams. The groups took this time to identify their team priority objectives, strategies, and team project and developed their work plan for year four of the Montana Cancer Control Strategic Plan 2016-2021. These areas focus on the entire cancer continuum: Prevention (Sun Safety and Nutrition and Physical Activity), Early Detection, Early Detection – Lung Cancer, Treatment and Research, Quality of Life and Survivorship, and Pediatric Cancer.
Lastly, we finished out the day with a special guest performance by the Magpie singers and dancers from the Last Chance Community Pow wow.
The Montana Cancer Coalition has experienced a large growth in membership over the past year with many new and exciting partnerships! We love to welcome new members to the MTCC year-round so please do not hesitate to reach out to me should you be interested in joining us and our efforts.
Please also remember to utilize our MTCC website as a means to educate and connect yourself and others on the work that we do. You may also download our five-year strategic plan, request paper copies and so much more. We also have our own Facebook page! Be sure to head on over and ‘like’ the Montana Cancer Coalition and stay connected with us over social media.
On behalf of the MTCC leadership team, we thank you for your time and commitment to changing the state of cancer in Montana.
Enjoy your summer!
Nikki Campbell
MTCC Manager