Dr. Sumedha Penheiter

And we created these pink shawls for the American Indians, women that were diagnosed with cancer. And so it's very multifactorial and doesn't just target the actual screening part as such.

And we created these pink shawls for the American Indians, women that were diagnosed with cancer. And so it's very multifactorial and doesn't just target the actual screening part as such.

Well, I think it's interesting. There's a lot of efforts in place to get the screening part done.

Well, I think it's interesting. There's a lot of efforts in place to get the screening part done.

And a lot of federally qualified health centers offer screening now. But the thing is, what next if you do end up positive? There has to be this medical neighborhood that exists or the support system that follows through with a patient that doesn't have resources or awareness once they are diagnosed with cancer. And that's where the mortality and morbidity rates become a concern. And so-

And a lot of federally qualified health centers offer screening now. But the thing is, what next if you do end up positive? There has to be this medical neighborhood that exists or the support system that follows through with a patient that doesn't have resources or awareness once they are diagnosed with cancer. And that's where the mortality and morbidity rates become a concern. And so-

we realized that while the medical centers are still on top of screening somewhat because of the HEDIS or their reporting requirements, because that impacts their overall status as health centers, the space that was lacking was really the support. And a lot of people, for instance, in some cultures, in the Indian country, the word cancer is taboo.

we realized that while the medical centers are still on top of screening somewhat because of the HEDIS or their reporting requirements, because that impacts their overall status as health centers, the space that was lacking was really the support. And a lot of people, for instance, in some cultures, in the Indian country, the word cancer is taboo.

And there's so many cultural nuances in the Hispanic community where it's very fatalistic and left to God. And you always discuss things as a family versus alone. So there's a lot of cultural nuances that are not as straightforward as you would think in addressing cancer post-diagnosis. So a navigator is someone who helps this whole

And there's so many cultural nuances in the Hispanic community where it's very fatalistic and left to God. And you always discuss things as a family versus alone. So there's a lot of cultural nuances that are not as straightforward as you would think in addressing cancer post-diagnosis. So a navigator is someone who helps this whole

a patient who really may not be part of the mainstream care on a regular basis to then understand what the next steps would be and to make sure that they get the kind of support that they need in terms of childcare if needed or transportation, like again, the social determinants of health, but also a familiar person that they can trust because trust in the medical system is, is low overall.

a patient who really may not be part of the mainstream care on a regular basis to then understand what the next steps would be and to make sure that they get the kind of support that they need in terms of childcare if needed or transportation, like again, the social determinants of health, but also a familiar person that they can trust because trust in the medical system is, is low overall.

And with that, this is someone that's familiar, that speaks their language at their level, can spend a lot of time with them. So navigators in that space and community health workers are just instrumental in making sure that this patient doesn't feel lost. There's genetic, there's also always counseling.

And with that, this is someone that's familiar, that speaks their language at their level, can spend a lot of time with them. So navigators in that space and community health workers are just instrumental in making sure that this patient doesn't feel lost. There's genetic, there's also always counseling.

I know at the Mayo Clinic, once you're diagnosed with cancer, there's regular counseling for the family to be prepared for what lies ahead. So diagnosis, um, Treatment is one aspect, but the social-emotional aspect of cancer, like you shared, is so shocking.

I know at the Mayo Clinic, once you're diagnosed with cancer, there's regular counseling for the family to be prepared for what lies ahead. So diagnosis, um, Treatment is one aspect, but the social-emotional aspect of cancer, like you shared, is so shocking.

It can be so overwhelming that we feel that we're letting our cancer patients down if we're not also focusing on the support and the legal aspect of it.

It can be so overwhelming that we feel that we're letting our cancer patients down if we're not also focusing on the support and the legal aspect of it.

So from what I understand, the challenges has been we've tried to have so many objectives and tactics so that we can indicate the state's interest in this area. And I think a lot of times some agencies and nonprofit agencies or some health agencies can use this plan as a platform for justification for applying for subsequent grants in saying that they align with the state plan.

So from what I understand, the challenges has been we've tried to have so many objectives and tactics so that we can indicate the state's interest in this area. And I think a lot of times some agencies and nonprofit agencies or some health agencies can use this plan as a platform for justification for applying for subsequent grants in saying that they align with the state plan.