Avera's Walking Forward Program receives grant from Irving A. Hansen Memorial Foundation
A $200,000 grant from the Irving A. Hansen Memorial Foundation will go towards Avera's Walking Forward Program. That's added to a previous donation of $250,000 from the foundation.
Walking Forward is a community research program, part of the Avera Research Institute that provides tribal communities access to a number of cancer-related services including cancer education and screening, earlier diagnosis and access to clinical trials.
It's also used to promote, educate about and facilitate opportunities for low-dose computed tomography lung cancer screening through community "navigators" in Rapid City, Rosebud and Pine Ridge. Navigators can assist patients or families with questions about cancer prevention or treatment.
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“Low-dose (computed tomography) through the Irving A. Hansen Memorial Foundation funds has made the difference for heavy smokers in this region to receive lung cancer screenings that could potentially save their lives – or allow them to live longer, more productive lives,” Daniel Petereit, a radiation oncologist at Monument Health said.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, community navigators worked with residents by setting up booths at farmers' markets and local public events. They also worked with patients about how to get appointment and screening referrals.
This article originally appeared on Sioux Falls Argus Leader: Avera Walking Forward program indigenous communities
