National CRC Screening Summit | 2025-01 Georgia CRC Screening Reports

Video Transcription

Video Summary

Dr. Brian Jacobson introduced the first session highlighting passionate efforts to combat colorectal cancer through demonstration projects in Georgia and Maryland. The Georgia team reported on their colorectal cancer screening initiatives led by Community Health Care Systems, serving 21,000 patients in 14 rural counties. Screening rates were low (~30%), motivating targeted interventions using stool-based tests like Cologuard, education, patient navigation, and community outreach including mobile units. Challenges included transportation barriers, limited specialist access, no-shows, and recent disruptions like a hurricane. Navigation services, led by Horizons Community Solutions, personalized patient support to overcome obstacles, achieving a 90% completion rate of screenings with zero unreachable patients. Data showed navigation increased colonoscopy completion and preparation significantly. The project also emphasized provider education and quality tracking to boost screening rates. Advocacy efforts in Georgia focus on securing sustainable state funding amid budget constraints through coalition building, legislative engagement, and data-driven advocacy. Key legislators support a $916,000 funding request aimed at improving colorectal cancer screening access and outcomes. The team plans continued legislative outreach, expanding advocacy networks, and presenting screening success data to sustain and scale the program through 2026. Overall, this collaboration demonstrates effective community-based strategies and legislative engagement to increase colorectal cancer screening in underserved rural Georgia.

Keywords

colorectal cancer screening

Georgia rural health

community health care systems

patient navigation

stool-based tests

healthcare advocacy

legislative engagement