Rutgers Cancer Health Equity Center of Excellence

Who Are They?

The Rutgers Cancer Health Equity Center of Excellence is a collaboration formed by the Rutgers School of Public Health and the Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey. Established with the goal of eradicating cancer disparities, the Center promotes research, education, community outreach, and policy advocacy to ensure far-reaching equitable cancer care throughout New Jersey’s diverse populations. The Center aims to improve cancer outcomes in all stages of prevention, early detection, treatment, survivorship, and end-of-life care through building partnerships with communities as well as advancing inclusive equity-oriented solutions.

How Can You Help?

There is a multitude of options through which both individuals and organizations can bolster the efforts of the Rutgers Cancer Health Equity Center of Excellence (CHECoE) in removing the barriers to cancer care and equitably advancing health across New Jersey. Community engagement is one of the best possibilities for supporting this program. The Community Cancer Action Board (CCAB) and the Community Scientist Program, among others, offer avenues through which community members can help to set research priorities, review proposals, and participate in educational forums such as “Works in Progress” presentations and “Science Cafés.” These activities are set up to keep science open and community-informed.

The CHECoE also hosts events, such as its Annual Research Symposium, which gather together researchers, policymakers, advocates, and local voices to showcase innovative work around cancer equity. These events incorporate keynote speakers, panels, and time for networking and partnering. There are also storytelling workshops and a video series called “Sidewalk to Science,” where experiences of community members are documented and given importance in carrying the human side of the research and outreach efforts.

Working with the partnership is also an important one-step agenda of participation. CHECoE works with almost 400 organizations throughout the state to carry out health education, screening, and public health initiatives, mainly in underserved communities. Through these partnerships with ScreenNJ or LifeSaver mobile health units, these local groups have a chance to co-host events such as nutrition workshops, cancer screenings, and wellness fairs. These events extend cancer prevention and education efforts directly into the neighborhoods that are most in need of these services.

CHECoE is also very active when it comes to shaping health policy. Community members and advocates might get involved by supporting work to promote cancer prevention strategies on the state level, ensure equity in healthcare policy, or shine a light on barriers to access to care. In this way, the center becomes a voice for the community as perceived by stakeholders and health authorities.

Finally, individuals and organizations can financially support CHECoE through philanthropy. Tax-deductible donations go toward outreach program expansion, small research grants, educational events, and services such as mobile screenings. These donations make a concrete difference in reducing disparities and reaching the most vulnerable population groups in New Jersey.

When you get involved, you help with reducing health inequities, fostering communities and research approaches working together, and promoting favorable cancer outcomes for everybody. To learn more or get connected, you can reach the Center directly at cancerhealthequity@cinj.rutgers.edu

Learn More

We always encourage looking into important organizations around you to see how you can best contribute and look into their work. To learn more about Rutgers’ mission to advance cancer equity through research, education, outreach, and public policy, access their website here.

Community Outreach & Engagement
Explore how Rutgers partners with local communities to provide cancer education, screenings, and resources aimed at reducing disparities.
https://cinj.org/outreach/community-outreach-and-engagement

Interest Form – Get Involved
Fill out this form to express interest in volunteering, community partnerships, research collaboration, or educational opportunities.
https://rutgers.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_bqJThowR8FVsyfs