COMMUNITY OUTREACH AND ENGAGEMENT (COE)
The GW Cancer Center is a trusted regional partner committed to inclusive and equitable cancer care, research, and education. Our Community Outreach and Engagement (COE) efforts have a positive and lasting impact on the health of our richly diverse communities.
Our current catchment area includes 12 counties/ municipalities across southern Maryland and northern Virginia, as well as all eight DC wards. COE’s goal is to support the GW Cancer Center’s impact on the catchment area through six strategic aims:
- Identify and monitor the cancer burden within our catchment area, especially for underserved populations.
- Develop sustainable partnerships between GW Cancer Center’s research programs and the diverse communities we serve so that research findings are put into practice.Partner with community-based organizations focused on cancer risk reduction, early detection, and survivorship to promote cancer health equity and increase quality of life throughout our region.
- Collaborate with DC Health and congressional leaders to influence local and federal policies to reduce the cancer burden across the GW Cancer Center’s catchment area.
- Increase participation in the GW Cancer Center’s clinical trials by overcoming barriers to care and ensuring a representative (race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, and age) pool of research subjects.
- Invest in and build an infrastructure that supports community outreach and engagement.
COE TEAM
- Mandi Pratt-Chapman, PhD
Associate Director, Community Outreach Engagement and Equity - Shayla Scarlett, MBA, MPA, DipACLM
Assistant Director, Community Outreach Engagement and Equity - Claudia J. Campos Galván, MA, LGPC, TTS
Cancer Center Administrator/Community Health Worker Lead - Hannah Safron
Cancer Center Associate, Community Health - Jennifer Cook, MSNE
Cancer Center Associate, Community Health, BEAT-C Project - Ozioma Scott, MPH
Cancer Center Associate, Community Health, BEAT-C Project - Shantie Morgan
Cancer Center Coordinator, Community Health, BEAT-C Project - Nafesa Roshan, MA-SID, MPM, CAPM
Cancer Center Associate, Community Outreach Engagement and Equity
The GW Cancer Center Catchment Area includes:
o Wards 1-8
o Montgomery o Prince George's o Charles o Fairfax o Loudoun o Prince William
o Alexandria o Fairfax o Arlington o Falls Church o Manassas o Manassas Park |
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Most of the GW Cancer Center’s patients are residents of DC, Montgomery, and Prince George’s counties (Maryland). The most commonly diagnosed cancers are breast, prostate, lung, and head and neck.
The GW Cancer Prevention and Wellness Center, set to open in Spring 2025, will be a transformative space dedicated to promoting health and reducing cancer risk through education, screenings, and community engagement. Designed to empower individuals with knowledge and resources, the center will offer a variety of health and wellness classes focused on cancer prevention, including nutrition, physical activity, and stress management. By providing evidence-based guidance and expert-led workshops, the center aims to equip the community with practical tools to make informed lifestyle choices that support long-term well-being.
In addition to education, the GW Cancer Prevention and Wellness Center will offer limited cancer screenings, ensuring accessible early detection services for those in need. More than just a resource hub, the center will serve as a gathering place for individuals seeking support, connection, and shared learning experiences. Whether attending a wellness seminar, participating in a guided mindfulness session, or simply engaging with others on a similar journey, visitors will find a welcoming environment designed to inspire healthier lives. By fostering a culture of prevention and proactive health management, the center will play a vital role in reducing cancer risks and improving overall community wellness.