Askins, Nissa

Introduction The Florida-California Cancer Research, Education, and Engagement (CaRE 2 ) Health Equity Center is a triad partnership committed to increasing institutional capacity for cancer disparity research, the diversity of the cancer workforce, and community empowerment. This article provides an overview of the structure, process innovations, and initial outcomes from the first 4 years of the CaRE 2 triad partnership. Methods CaRE 2 serves diverse populations in Florida and California using a “molecule to the community and back” model. We prioritize research on the complex intersection of biological, environmental, and social determinants health, working together with scientific and health disparities communities, sharing expertise across institutions, bidirectional training, and community outreach. Partnership progress and outcomes were assessed using mixed methods and four Program Steering Committee meetings. Results Research capacity was increased through development of a Living Repository of 81 cancer model systems from minority patients for novel cancer drug development. CaRE 2 funded 15 scientific projects resulting in 38 publications. Workforce diversity entailed supporting 94 cancer trainees (92 URM) and 34 ESIs (32 URM) who coauthored 313 CaRE 2 -related publications and received 48 grants. Community empowerment was promoted via outreaching to more than 3000 individuals, training 145 community cancer advocates (including 28 Community Scientist Advocates), and publishing 10 community reports. CaRE 2 members and trainees together have published 639 articles, received 61 grants, and 57 awards. Conclusion The CaRE 2 partnership has achieved its initial aims. Infrastructure for translational cancer research was expanded at one partner institution, and cancer disparities research was expanded at the two cancer centers.

Abstract INTRODUCTION The Cancer Research Education and Engagement (CaRE2) Health Equity Center seeks to eliminate cancer disparities within Black and Latinx communities through research, training, education, and community engagement. The goal of this presentation is to share the unique model of community engagement that was implemented by the CaRE2 Center's Community Outreach Core (COC) during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS During the COVID-19 pandemic, the COC hosted community outreach events to address prostate and pancreatic cancer disparities. We overcame the challenges of COVID-19 by hosting these programs over Zoom, Facebook, and Twitter and allowing participants to interact and ask questions. The use of these platforms allowed us to develop and implement the innovative “bed to bedside” model, which allowed participants to gain a well-rounded understanding of the cancer process from cancer survivors, physicians, and researchers of color. The goal of these events were to 1) increase awareness of the importance of prostate and pancreatic cancer screening, 2) educate patients and community members about potential prostate and pancreatic cancer treatments, 3) raise awareness on prostate and pancreatic cancer research, and 4) address the causes and solutions to prostate and pancreatic cancer disparities in the Black and Latinx community. RESULT A total of 4 events were conducted between September and November of 2021, reaching a total of 30 persons directly and about 30 more through social media. At each event, evidence-based prostate cancer and pancreatic cancer education was disseminated. Of the attendees, 48% identified as Black or African American and 14% as Latino(x). Attendees were given the option to provide feedback and 90% of attendees agreed or strongly agreed that the presentations met their expectations. One benefit of conducting outreach activities via these platforms was the ability for more individuals to attend and the elimination of transportation barriers. Participants reported that attending virtually was easy to navigate and provided a suitable environment given the ongoing pandemic. Participants also reported that they enjoyed the “bed to bedside” model and shared that hearing from a survivor of color led to them feeling more comfortable in considering cancer screening. CONCLUSION The Care2 COC, in partnership with the community, is addressing disparities in the Black and Latinx population. One of the barriers that we had to overcome was continuing community outreach during the COVID-19 pandemic. The decision to provide health education outreach over social platforms, was essential to maintain our reach and impact. This allowed for the implementation of the “bed to bedside” model that included the different perspectives of care. We concluded that this model was effective and helped normalize the treatment process. We also concluded that outreach to the community should continue to provide cancer information via virtual formats especially as the COVID-19 related incidence and mortality begins to increase. Citation Format: Jessica Otero, Fern Webb, Folakemi Odedina, Nissa Askins, Linda Behar-Horenstein, Lourdes Baez-Conde, Mariana Stern, Sandra Suther, Renee Reams. Multifaceted approaches to engaging Black and Latinx populations: From bed to bedside [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Virtual Conference: 14th AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2021 Oct 6-8. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2022;31(1 Suppl):Abstract nr PO-059.

Abstract Background: The Research Training Opportunities for Outstanding Leaders (ReTOOL) Program is an NCI/NIH-funded program (R25CA214225) that focuses on increasing the representation of underserved minority (URM) scientists in biomedical research careers to diversify the cancer research workforce. In addition to didactic curriculum and mentoring, each trainee works with a research mentor who provides hands-on research training experiences during the summer. Responding to the COVID-19 pandemic, the ReTOOL Program was modified to be virtual for the 2020 program. Methods: In response to the COVID19 global pandemic, the ReTOOL program leadership and faculty mentors modified the program element: didactic classes, research training, mentorship, seminars and support networks. The introductory week's independent reading sessions and weekly research seminars remained unchanged, as they were already virtual. Results: 20 students participated in the ReTOOL 2020 program, which started on May 4 and ended on August 7. An online program agreement was created to set expectations about participation, weekly reporting form to ensure trainees met program requirements, and evaluations for continuous monitoring. Specific adjustments that were made included: (1) the one-week preparatory didactic classes were conducted online using Zoom; (2) all research training took place virtually. All wet-lab research-training activities were cancelled, with the 2020 faculty mentors primarily dry-lab scientists and scientists with expertise in secondary data analyses. All trainees worked remotely with dedicated computer/laptop with camera for Zoom video communications, internet and dedicated space for learning. There was access to online library resources through University of Florida (UF); (3) Mentorship was provided with increased frequency of meetings with faculty mentors, program staff and peers; (4) Weekly social event to foster relationships and peer networks. Trainees developed fun, lighthearted activities; and (5) Research showcase with oral presentations through Zoom and innovative use of Twitter for poster sessions. A critical missed opportunity for the trainees was visiting different graduate or professional programs at UF. To fill this gap, we provided funding for each trainee to visit UF later. An advantage of moving the program to a virtual platform was co-mentoring by international mentors in Africa, through the Prostate Cancer Transatlantic Consortium (CaPTC). Additionally, the Service Learning experiences took place virtually. Conclusion: The COVID19 pandemic created an unusual circumstance but we were able to overcome the challenges, which included Zoom fatigue, adjustment to different time zones, isolation and information fatigue. While the ReTOOL research-training program was different in 2020, we were still be able to provide a meaningful experience for the trainees. 2020 trainees submitted 7 conference abstracts and 6 publications. This includes a special series focused on the ReTOOL program projects soon to publish in ecancermedicalscience Journal. Citation Format: Parisa Fathi, Folakemi Odedina, John Allen, Debra Lyon, Diana Wilkie, Nissa Askins, Brian Seymour. The ReTOOL training program for underrepresented minority students: Best practices for virtual training in midst of COVID-19 [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Virtual Conference: 14th AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2021 Oct 6-8. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2022;31(1 Suppl):Abstract nr PO-056.