Connecting rural African American and Hispanic women to cancer education and screening: the Avon Health Connector project.

BACKGROUND: Many barriers prevent minority women in rural areas from being screened for breast and cervical cancer.

METHODS: A partnership was formed to screen low-income women in a Southern Appalachian area, with particular focus on African American and Hispanic populations. A lay health advisor model was utilized, and 45 LHAs were trained to participate in the program.

RESULTS: In this program, 456 women were screened for breast and cervical cancer, 1943 received health education, and 59 health professions students participated.

CONCLUSION: A successful partnership model builds on the strengths and assets of partners, provides culturally competent services, and benefits from continual project evaluation.