IPHA receives grant to improve cancer screenings in Sangamon, Macon C…

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WCIA) — The Illinois Public Health Association received a grant to help increase colorectal cancer screening rates and bring more accessible healthcare to Sangamon and Macon Counties.

The IPHA’s “Engaging Community Health Workers to Address Colon Cancer” program brings together different partners to help more vulnerable people in Sangamon and Macon counties in Illinois get screened for colorectal cancer (CRC). The two counties have the lowest CRC screening uptake rates in the state. To ensure these communities get the support they need, the IPHA will work with the American Cancer Society, Illinois Primary Health Care, Regional Cancer Committee and local organizations.

“IPHA is very pleased to have received this grant,” Executive Director Tom Hughes said. “The patient population we expect to reach are those who face numerous challenges and often go unscreened…