Against Colorectal Cancer in Our Neighborhoods (ACCION) is an evidence-based program designed to reduce the burden of colorectal cancer (CRC) in El Paso County. Although there are tests for CRC screening that can prevent this cancer and improve survival, people are still not getting screened, particularly minority groups, those with low income and those without health insurance.

The long term goal of ACCION is to reduce avoidable deaths from CRC in El Paso County through a broad community-wide partnership led by Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center (TTUHSC), Paul L Foster School of Medicine, El Paso and over 20 other local collaborating organizations. ACCION addresses key barriers to...

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Against Colorectal Cancer in Our Neighborhoods (ACCION) is an evidence-based program designed to reduce the burden of colorectal cancer (CRC) in El Paso County. Although there are tests for CRC screening that can prevent this cancer and improve survival, people are still not getting screened, particularly minority groups, those with low income and those without health insurance.

The long term goal of ACCION is to reduce avoidable deaths from CRC in El Paso County through a broad community-wide partnership led by Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center (TTUHSC), Paul L Foster School of Medicine, El Paso and over 20 other local collaborating organizations. ACCION addresses key barriers to CRC screening, diagnosis and treatment that we identified in our community. The target group is uninsured or underinsured 50-75 year old predominantly Hispanic residents of El Paso County that are not up to date with CRC screening.

The specific goals of the program are to: 1) Increase community awareness and knowledge about CRC and CRC screening tests; 2) Increase CRC screening rates; 3) Increase the use of all needed follow up tests and treatment services for CRC; 4) Increase provider recommendations to patients for CRC screening; and 5) Build a sustainable screening, diagnosis and treatment network for CRC so that these services are still available to the community after the grant is over.

These goals will be achieved through the use of community education and outreach by bilingual promotores who will conduct these sessions throughout El Paso County in the communities where residents live, worship and seek health care. Participants will be provided with no-cost fecal immunochemical testing (FIT) and shown how to perform it at home. Participants will then be navigated through the health care system. Navigation activities will include reminders, follow up of test results, assistance in obtaining health care coverage, facilitating appointments with primary care providers, direct access to no-cost colonoscopy if needed, appointment scheduling, help with bowel prep, help with transportation and assistance with other barriers to follow-up. Cancer treatment will also be facilitated through collaborating partners and local resources.

We will also ensure that the program remains available to the community after the funding period is over, through a number of activities and initiatives. With successful completion of these components, ACCION will meet the goals of the Texas Cancer Plan which are to reduce the impact of cancer in Texas through the implementation of sustainable and effective programs that target the underserved and reduce disparities in cancer throughout the State.

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