Smith, Vermelle

Abstract Introduction: Black men experience a significant burden and face greater hurdles in the prevention, detection, treatment, and survival of prostate cancer (CaP). To address barriers and systemic issues associated with CaP, we have established Community Living Lab (CoLLab) Learning Health Systems through a partnership with the American Legion Post (ALP) and Mayo Clinic. The focus is on providing comprehensive prostate health resources, education, amenities, and community health services (REACH). This initiative represents a proactive approach to addressing health disparities in prostate cancer prevention, detection, and treatment to improve CaP health equity for Black men. This study has three primary aims: (1) Co-develop a user-centric CoLLab Learning Health System with collaborating ALPs, (2) Evaluate the impact of the CoLLab Learning Health System using a pretest-posttest design, and (3) Explore the feasibility of replicating the CoLLab Learning Health System in Black communities nationally. Methods: Three ALPs in Northeast Florida are currently included in this pilot study. The study timeline spans 30 months, from October 2023 to March 2026. The target recruitment is 150 Black men aged 30 to 80 years. Community Health Workers (CHWs) are currently recruiting participants to complete the ALP Neighborhood assessment four times over 12 months to measure changes in CaP-related knowledge, attitudes, health beliefs, perceived control, intentions, and cues to action. Participants will be able to access prostate health REACH services at the designated ALPs through education, navigation, and support services. The program will be continuously evaluated for continuous improvement. The reach of the prostate health REACH services, including extent and patterns of use, demographics of participants reached, and successful navigation for social determinants of health (SDOH), clinical trials, and healthcare, will be evaluated. Additionally, participation in the Community Research Registry, indicating interest in being matched with clinical trials at Mayo Clinic, will be assessed. Results: To date, we have trained 10 CHWs for the study who will serve as community navigators to provide REACH services at their designated ALPs. We have had 49 Black men recruited into the study, and they have completed the baseline assessment at various events held at the ALPs. CaP survivors support group, led by ALP, has begun providing survivorship support services, including healthcare navigation, wellness programs, and grocery distribution to Black men and their households in the community surrounding the ALPs. Conclusion: The CoLLab initiative represents a proactive approach to addressing health disparities and improving outcomes for Black men in CaP prevention, detection, treatment, and survivorship. This study represents a crucial step towards eliminating CaP disparities experienced by Black men, contributing to improved health equity and outcomes in this population. Citation Format: Floyd B Willis, Collisa Mahin, Opeyemi O Bolajoko, Caleb Ramirez, Shannon Pressey, Shaina Flynn, Arnold J Merriweather, Toshiko Moultrie, Vermelle Smith, Wayne Ford, Derry Green. Utilizing Community Living Labs (CoLLab) to address prostate cancer disparities in Black men: An innovative partnership with the American Legion Post and Mayo Clinic [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 17th AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2024 Sep 21-24; Los Angeles, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2024;33(9 Suppl):Abstract nr B073.

Abstract Background: Health Zone 1 in Jacksonville, Fl contains a large population of underserved residents with limited resources. The high level of poverty, lower educational attainment, increased chronic illness diagnoses, and higher rates of mortality can be attributed to poorer overall health from diseases such as cancer and diabetes when compared to other health zones. Mayo Clinic Comprehensive Cancer Center Community Outreach and Engagement (MCCC COE) partnered with American Legion Post 197 (ALP 197), a veteran led organization, to specifically address the health disparities face by residents of this community. The post is located within Health Zone 1 and has a history of philanthropic contributions, making it a trusted community partner vital to the success of community health initiatives. In November 2022, ALP began instituting twice monthly Lunch & Learn (LL) programs, offering meals/snacks in conjunction with health education. Aims: The aims of LL programs are to increase resident access to: (1) health information, (2) health resources, and (3) clinical trials. Methodology: Using the community based participatory research framework and funded by the Department of Defense, MCCC COE first increased infrastructure of ALP197 by upgrading internet and public connectivity, installation of touch kiosks, mounting digital boards, and health literature (flyers and pamphlets). The LL are where healthcare experts facilitate discussion with participants on various topics, specifically requested by residents. Topics have included SDoH, understanding prescribed medication, the importance of clinical trials, mental health and stress management, stroke prevention, and proton therapy. LL are advertised on radio stations and shared through emails to past participants and other organizations. During LL programs, participants are instructed about and directed to the kiosks, where they may obtain more information on illnesses, access resources, and sign up for clinical trials. Results: To date, LL have been attended by over 50 residents. The efforts at the ALP 197 has led to increased knowledge, access to resources via the kiosks, and an increase in signup for clinical trials. The outcomes of this effort have also resulted in additional partnerships. One such partnership is with LitTV, a black owned and operated TV network that disseminates information locally in Duval County, nationally and internationally. Reach of the activities at the post includes television interviews, and articles, viewed by thousands and disseminated widely discussing our collaboration. Conclusion: The impact of our partnership with ALP 197 to reduce disease burden among in Health Zone 1 is already far reaching. LL continue to increase in monthly participation with new topic requested by residents regularly. Future monitoring of participant knowledge and attitude changes from LL are planned to be studied through pre/post surveys. We have received additional funding from the DOD to expand this initiative to health organizations and to other American Legion Posts in the Duval area. Citation Format: Vinessa Gordon, Shaina Flynn, Jennifer Crook, Arnold Merriweather, Vermelle Smith, Fullwood Marvin, Che Ngufor, Cassandra Small, Folakemi Odedina. Addressing health disparities through lunch and learns in underserved communities [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 16th AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2023 Sep 29-Oct 2;Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2023;32(12 Suppl):Abstract nr A046.