CONTACT: Toni Morrissey
(608) 263-3223
(608) 576-6456
tmorrissey@uwhealth.org
Anti-cancer program receives statewide recognition, funding
MADISON- A novel partnership designed to lower cancer rates in Adams County has been recognized by a statewide organization as a model community service program.
The Adams County Cancer Awareness Team (ACCAT) was awarded a 2013 Community Service Award by the Wisconsin Cancer Council.
ACCAT was formed after a 2011 UW Carbone Comprehensive Cancer Center needs assessment showed that the county’s death rate was 25 percent higher than the statewide average. ACCAT involves several local stakeholders including county public health, the local hospital and UW Extension. The Adams County program called “Cancer Clear and Simple” addresses cancer prevention, screening and survivor rates and includes facilitated presentations and handouts on cancer that are tailored to Adams County residents.
“ACCAT members have demonstrated that local leaders can achieve health improvements when they work together,” said Rebecca Linskens, UW Carbone Cancer Center outreach specialist.
Last year, ACCAT was awarded a three-year $400,000 implementation grant from the Wisconsin Partnership Program. The money funds a nurse and a community health worker who help local residents navigate the health care system. The program has received more than $500,000 in grants in the last two years.
