Community Outreach and Engagement (COE)

COMMUNITY OUTREACH AND ENGAGEMENT ABSTRACT A core mission of the UCLA Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center (JCCC) Community Outreach and Engagement (COE) unit is to reduce the burden of cancer in its catchment area of Los Angeles County (LAC) and beyond. LAC is the most populous county in the U.S. Latinos constitute 49% of the population, followed by Whites (25%), Asian/Pacific Islanders (16%), and Blacks (9%); 34% are immigrants. The cancer burden in LAC is high, with large differences in risk factors and outcomes across population groups and socio-economic indicators. Given the broad range of health needs across the LAC population, the goal of the COE unit is to ensure that the research, outreach, and other strategic activities of the JCCC effectively address the cancer burden and evolving health needs and priorities of LAC residents. Activities disseminate basic cancer information and recent scientific advances to county residents through partnerships with numerous community organizations and coalitions. Significant efforts are made to increase the capacity of community organizations to partner in cancer research and outreach. LAC is the archetypal microcosm of our nation. This provides the JCCC with an opportunity to play a critical role in shaping our national response to addressing the cancer-related needs of our communities, with lessons that ultimately help reduce the cancer burden nationally and globally.