Reflections on the Cancer Center Community Impact Forum

This year, NCC’s Executive Director Cari Herington was tapped to participate in a panel discussion during the Cancer Center Community Impact Forum (CCCIF) hosted by the Huntsman Cancer Institute in Salt Lake City, Utah.  

This  essential gathering is for cancer center professionals committed to expanding their impact on the communities they serve. The national event brings together experts from National Cancer Institute (NCI)-designated centers, along with those from centers working toward NCI designation. Participants can gain insights into strategies that enhance cancer centers’ community outreach and engagement efforts under the Cancer Center Support Grant and foster connections with other professionals working to reach diverse and often underserved populations.

Cari participated in the “Mountain West Community Partners” panel, which highlighted the collaborative efforts of six community partners from the Mountain West region: Utah, Idaho, Wyoming, Nevada, and Montana, along with a tribal community representative. The discussions underscored the value of cross-state partnerships, particularly in rural areas where healthcare access can be limited by physical distance, cultural isolation, or lack of resources.

A key takeaway from the panel was the importance of stepping out of the office and meeting communities where they are. In regions like the Mountain West, this might mean driving long distances to visit Indigenous tribal lands, LGBTQ+ resource centers, or other marginalized groups.

“Engaging with community members directly and consistently is essential to building trust and understanding the unique challenges they face,” Cari said.

Panelists also highlighted innovative outreach models such as pop-up events, which bring health services and educational resources directly to people where they live. Partnerships with local sports teams, such as the Reno Aces, and unique funding opportunities, including support from the Las Vegas Raiders, were also insights Cari was able to contribute. These collaborations not only increase visibility for cancer prevention and care but also help normalize health discussions in everyday spaces, reaching more people than traditional health clinics alone might.

The forum offered a broad range of panel discussions, each tackling challenges and opportunities for cancer prevention, care, and research within diverse communities. Topics ranged from “Bridging the Gap Between Research and Community” and “Championing Health Equity Across the Cancer Continuum” to “Structural Racism in Cancer Care Settings.” These sessions focused on solutions to common barriers in reaching community members who may be geographically, economically, or culturally isolated from traditional healthcare networks.

Panelists discussed approaches to embedding community perspectives into clinical trials, improving data-driven outreach strategies, and finding ways to work effectively across the cancer care continuum, from prevention to treatment and survivorship.

Forums like CCCIF are critical for generating fresh ideas and establishing partnerships that extend beyond geographical and organizational boundaries. Reflecting on this year’s sessions, it’s clear that the most impactful community engagement efforts are those that integrate the voices of the communities we serve. From the insights shared at the Huntsman Cancer Institute, we all leave inspired to continue driving community-centered outreach and ensuring that our work reaches everyone in need, wherever they may be.