Since its beginnings, more than 50 years ago, Mary Bird Perkins has always ensured everyone has access to the cancer care they need regardless of their ability to pay. The Cancer Center is able to do this because of generous donors, providing key cancer support services, patient navigation, early detection and education, clinical research and in many other forms of assistance.
This commitment to helping everyone ensures an inclusive environment and access, especially for medically underserved populations. Following are some of the areas in which Mary Bird Perkins is working to move health equity forward.
| Population | Description |
| LBGTQ+ | The program will be a supplemental mobile breast and colorectal cancer screening and education program provided to LGBTQ+ communities. It will consist of culturally competent outreach and education, no-cost breast and colorectal cancer screening, patient navigation for those with abnormal findings and provider trainings with the goal of encouraging LGBTQ+ communities to receive recommended cancer screenings. |
| African-American/Black breast cancer patients | The goal of this project is to enhance cancer care equity for this population, especially those impacted by Triple Negative Breast Cancer, one of the most dangerous forms of the disease. |
| North Baton Rouge residents | The purpose of our project is to address cancer disparities throughout the continuum of care and advance health equity for the medically underserved. Working collaboratively with Woman’s Hospital, Baton Rouge General and other support organizations, Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center’s project will provide care coordination; patient-centered communication and engagement; and psychosocial and other support services to improve cancer equity. |
Purpose: To gain a better understanding of the barriers to cancer care, healthcare experiences and support service needs of the North Baton Rouge community.
Target Audience: Residents of zip codes 70802, 70805, 70806, 70807, 70811, 70812, 70814 and 70815. Cancer survivors, cancer patients and cancer caregivers are encouraged to attend. Must be 18 years and older to participate.
What’s Involved: Participants will engage in a facilitated conversation by sharing their experiences and viewpoints. Information shared will remain anonymous, but be used to address the most important concerns related to health equity in cancer care. Participants should attend the most convenient session location and time.
Other: Refreshments provided and giveaways during the event.
For more information, contact Nicole Honoré at (225) 215-1250.