Goals and Objectives of the 12th Symposium on Minorities, the Medically Underserved and Health Equity

MISSION STATEMENT
The Intercultural Cancer Council (ICC) promotes policies, programs, partnerships, and research to eliminate the unequal burden of cancer among racial and ethnic minorities and medically underserved populations in the United States, including Native America and Alaska Native Tribal Nations and Organizations and US flag territories and freely-associated states.

NEEDS and BACKGROUND
There is a disproportionate cancer incidence, morbidity, and mortality among minorities and persons of low socio-economic status in the United States and its associated tribal nations, territories and Pacific Island jurisdictions.  Health disparities suffered by these groups have been documented through published reports.  There is a critical need to develop knowledge and strategies to address this crisis with the leadership and full participation of the affected communities. 

In 1987, the Biennial Symposium on Minorities and Cancer was launched in Houston, Texas to address this need. In 1995, with the launching of the Intercultural Cancer Council, the Symposium Series moved to Washington, D.C. and was renamed the Biennial Symposium on Minorities, the Medically Underserved & Cancer, in recognition that cancer was a national issue that needed to be on the American health agenda. Following the 2008 Biennial Symposium on Minorities, the Medically Underserved & Cancer, a decision was made to host regional meetings around the country, with plans to bring everyone back together in 2012.

Since cancer is only one of many health disparities faced by minority and underserved individuals, the 2012 meeting will not limit its discussion to cancer issues. It will be hosted by the Center for Health Equity & Evaluation Research (a joint venture of the University of Houston and the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center) and the Intercultural Cancer Council.

GOALS
The goals of the Biennial Symposium series are to:

• Exchange the latest scientific and treatment information and to share strategies for reducing the disproportionate incidence of cancer morbidity and mortality among minorities and the medically underserved;
• Increase the awareness and enhance the competence of health care providers, researchers, laypersons and survivors in the areas of primary and secondary cancer prevention, early detection and treatment;
• Promote culturally competent cancer care and services and ethnically balanced research, especially clinical trials;
• Ensure that underserved populations are selectively targeted in the evolution of the Health Care Reform Act;
• Provide a comprehensive approach to the issue of health disparities.  Provide attendees with a broad knowledge base related to a biopsychosocial approach in addressing health disparities.

THEME
“Empowering Communities in the Era of Health Care Reform.”

OBJECTIVES
At the conclusion of the 12th Symposium, participants should be able to:

• Summarize the most current scientific information available about specific cancers and chronic diseases of particular concern in minority and medically underserved communities, including the impact of certain health and lifestyle factors;
• Discuss and demonstrate the importance and promotion of cancer and chronic disease prevention, early detection, timely and quality treatment, supportive and palliative care, and end of life issues;
• Effectively communicate best- or emerging practices which build community capacity to:
  • Advocate for new programs and policies to improve access to cancer and chronic disease preventive, screening, treatment and survivorship services; and
  • Build and maintain effective partnerships and networks to prevent and control chronic disease in disparity populations;
• Empower participants with knowledge, skills and connections to enhance their work with communities;
• Identify and access national and local organizations engaged in cancer- and chronic disease-related activities; and
• Introduce community and state-level resources and available funding to reduce chronic disease and health disparities.

TARGET AUDIENCE

• Cancer survivors, community-based organizations (CBOs), specialists, family physicians, and scientists interested or involved in community-based cancer prevention and control programs for minorities and the medically underserved
• Students from minority or medically underserved communities seeking careers in cancer research and health care
• Community leaders, chaplains, business executives, educators, hospitals and clinic administrators, government and voluntary health agency program directors responsible for health promotion and disease prevention for persons who are at higher risk of cancer or other diseases due to economic, cultural, geographic, political, social, medical or other barriers
• National or local advocates for cancer survivors and the medically underserved; elected, appointed, or career government officials, public or private opinion leaders involved in biomedical research and health care reform policy
• Primary care, community and family physicians, oncologists, nurses, allied health professionals, health educators, community health workers, dietitians, social workers and other persons involved in the cancer care continuum

EDUCATIONAL METHODS
Educational methods include lectures, case presentations, technical and educational programs, panel discussions, program demonstrations, questions and answer sessions, networking activities, and oral and poster presentations

 EVALUATION
A course evaluation form will provide participants with the opportunity to review each session and speaker, to identify future educational needs and to comment on any perceived commercial bias in the presentations.  Exit surveys will be conducted to obtain feedback on organization, general content, workshops and exhibits, networking opportunities, and recommendations for the next Symposium.  A post-Symposium survey will be used to assess changes in knowledge, attitudes, beliefs and behaviors and to what extent and how the information, materials and resources offered at the Symposium are being utilized by the participants.

ACCREDITATION/CREDIT DESIGNATION
We have applied to the following for continuing education credits:

• National Association of Social Workers
• National Commission for Health Education Credentialing, Inc.
• Nursing Society Education Services