ELSI Friday Forum: Enhancing Genetic Screening Access through Community Partnerships in the Cleveland African American Prostate Cancer Project

Join us on 03/14/25 at 12pm ET for the next ELSI Friday Forum: Enhancing Genetic Screening Access through Community Partnerships in the Cleveland African American Prostate Cancer Project, with our speakers:

• Sydney N. Evans, MSW, C-CHW
• Erika S. Trapl, PhD
• Moderated by Marsha Michie, PhD

Registration link: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/T926pH_NTLeL-DBkQ1kzAA 

Abstract: Genetic screening is crucial for identifying genetic risk factors for disease, but marginalized groups often have low participation due to lack of access, awareness, and mistrust of healthcare systems. There is a need for intentional collaboration with community partners to address these concerns and allow community voices to actively participate in the design and implementation of programs. The Cleveland African American Prostate Cancer Project (CAAPP) is a partnership of academics, clinicians, and community partners working together to combine prostate cancer and genetic screening, leveraging local barbershops as trusted hubs. Barbers were trained as health advisors, connecting Black men over 40 with screening services. This session will explore how building relationships, leveraging existing clinical and community partners, and utilizing community health navigators can overcome barriers like trust, cost, and data ownership, increasing participation and improving preventive health measures in marginalized communities.