Methodist Health System Prostate Cancer Screening Program Wins Statewide Community Ser...(rally these groups are much less likely ...),Health

Bringing the service to the people instead of expecting the people to come to the service is at the very heart of why the PSAP has been so successful. Creative networking by Methodist Dallas Medical Center has been key to that process.

"We work extensively with church pastors who are advocates for our program with their congregations. We set up on site at local churches offering screenings, education and referral services. The program participants make a connection to our team and are much more likely to pursue follow-up as needed," said Arvin. "We also take our program to family reunions, barber shops, health fairs and grocery stores and we partner with a wide variety of organizations, including the Methodist Health System Foundation, the Lance Armstrong Foundation, the American Cancer Society, Bayer Pharmaceuticals and the Communities Foundation of Texas." Arvin said one group that has been especially helpful and influential to the cause is 100 Black Men of Greater Dallas, Inc.

The PSAP has two full-time and several part-time staff members, who are assisted by a host of volunteers from agencies that partner with Methodist Dallas for this cause. The program is funded through philanthropic contributions, grants and money that Methodist Dallas allocates for its outreach programs. While the program focuses primarily on prostate cancer, there is an additional objective to identify other serious health threats that can be detected during the screenings.

"PSAP's mission is to help men in our communities identify medical needs at the earliest stage when treatment is viable and harm can be prevented," said Arvin.

About the Texas Hospital Association
'/>"/>