Dialogue summits have already been held in numerous states, including Utah, Arizona/New Mexico, Michigan, West Virginia, Massachusetts, and New Jersey. In September 2003, the Foundation began a $1.54 million cooperative agreement with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to provide 13 state-level and regional Dialogue for Action conferences over five years. Under this cooperative agreement, summits have taken place in Colorado, Maryland, Nebraska, Ohio, California, New York, Virginia, Minnesota, South Carolina, Kentucky and Washington. To address the unique needs of those in need of CRC screening in Indian Country, the Foundation worked with 10 American Indian/Alaska Native teams across the nation, on a two-year project (2006-2008).
- This year, the member organizations of the Kentucky Cancer Consortium will assist in the development and implementation of an action plan to increase colon cancer screening in Kentucky as an outcome of their Year-5 collaboration with the Foundation.
- The Washington state team will explore strategies to expand colorectal cancer screening and treatment services for all communities in Washington, with a special focus on the underserved populations, including:
- Enhancing the role of consumers and providers to promote screening;
- Increasing resources for colorectal cancer screening and treatment for underserved populations;
- Creating a start-up agenda for a Washington colorectal cancer 501(c)3.
The Dialogue for Action model is beginning to expand its reach to address other preventable cancers. In May 2007, Utah hosted the first-ever Dialogue for Action on Ovarian Cancer with a focus on earlier detection and optimal treatment for women with ovarian cancer.