April 29th, 2019

Dear Friends:

Partnerships have been key to the development of the Cancer Justice Network. Our partners have allowed us to attend weekly dinners, weekly health meetings, and weekly meetings at senior centers. Over time, this trust in our work has led to an increase in citizens taking advantage of meeting with our Navigators for discussions of cancer in specific and health in general. Through these partnerships we have expanded our discussions to include both cancer prevention and dental health as doorways to a person considering that their healthcare can be taken seriously and, by implication, their lives can be improved. Thanks to the partnerships, we are now the largest cancer prevention organization in the community. People have realized that prevention has meant going, often with us, to exams to see if they have cancer or some other life threatening disease. Having predictable, safe, and accessible transportation provided by our partnership with Cincinnati Area Senior Services(CASS) has raised the possibility that people with low or no incomes can be navigated to health care. Having access to the Cincinnati Health Network and the Cincinnati Health Department’s Health Centers have opened up a visible road map for cancer care and dental exams.

Our partners have connected with us to provide a next level of health care access. Adding to regular dinner meetings a health emphasis has made for new connections for people wanting to take action on their health needs. We are grateful to Churches Active in Northside(CAIN), First United Church of Christ, St. Paul’s Village,Christ Church Cathedral, Booth Retirement Community, and Over the Rhine Senior Center allowing and encouraging us to share health information at their dinners and breakfasts. Similarly, we appreciate having access to outstanding health centers, especially Crossroad, the Cincinnati Health Network, and the Cincinnati Health Department’s Health Centers. These locations have also allowed us to expand and focus on dental health and we are especially happy with our partnership with UC Blue Ash’s Dental Hygiene Program. St. Vincent de Paul’s efforts to improve health via the UC Open School Program has also invited us to weekly participation. And, the Public Library of Hamilton County has seen it desirable to offer our program at their downtown branch.

Changing the culture of health for our population requires a different attitude from health providers and we are happy about our partnership with the nursing schools of UC and Xavier and with the medical, dental hygiene, pharmacy, and physical rehabilitation students of UC.

Finally, we are in partnership with Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana Regional Planning(OKI) and with the Congregation of St. Joseph. Both organizations have been strong partners in encouraging innovative and sound programs for opening up the health and transportation systems of our community. Their financial and psychological support has been critical in any of our success.

Having a compassionate partnership network has made for a city-wide road map for improving health for our most neediest citizens. Each partner has brought a level of trust and openness to new ideas that has fueled our work. We have learned a lot from each partner and we are happy to strengthen our learning and support networks.

​-Steve