Community Outreach
Outreach and education are also key aspects of the IU Simon Cancer Center’s mission. We reach out to the public, health professionals, cancer researchers, and organizations through the IU Cancer Resource Center at Wishard, the National Cancer Institute (NCI) Cancer Information Service, the Indiana Cancer Consortium, the Summer Research Program, health fairs and community speaking engagements. We are dedicated to enhancing community awareness of cancer-related issues.
IU Cancer Resource Center at Wishard
The IU Simon Cancer Center opened the IU Cancer Resource Center at Wishard on Sept. 22, 2005, as a place for Wishard Health Services’ patients and their families to turn for information and assistance. The center provides up-to-date cancer information in a relaxing atmosphere. Located in the Special Medicine Clinic on the second floor of the Regenstrief Health Center at Wishard Health Services, 1001 W. Tenth Street, the IU Cancer Resource Center at Wishard features pamphlets with helpful facts about cancer, computers with access to the latest information, televisions with educational DVDs and videos, phone access to the American Cancer Society’s hotline and National Cancer Institute’s Cancer Information Services and displays about cancer and cancer-related issues.
In addition to the numerous educational tools available at the IU Cancer Resource Center at Wishard, there are also a number of resources available allowing a cancer patient to get feedback from others, including a conference room to discuss information with healthcare professionals, cancer support groups, educational programs and spiritual counseling through Wishard Chaplaincy.
Sponsors and supporters of the IU Cancer Resource Center at Wishard include the American Cancer Society, IU Simon Cancer Center, Eli Lilly & Co., H.H. Gregg, Business Furniture Corporation, SPG Graphics and Steelcase Inc.
For more information about the IU Cancer Resource Center at Wishard, please call (317) 630-8945.
NCI Cancer Information Service
IU Simon Cancer Center is a NCI Cancer Information Service (CIS) site, benefiting the public by providing the latest news and developments in the prevention and understanding of cancer risk and treatment. The CIS information specialists serve physicians, health care professionals, organizations and the public by providing both telephone (call 1-800-4-CANCER) and online assistance through LiveHelp.
Indiana Cancer Consortium
The Indiana Cancer Consortium (ICC) is a statewide network of public and private organizations dedicated to collaboratively reducing the cancer burden through the development and implementation of a state cancer control plan. The organization of ICC was a major initial goal of the IU Simon Cancer Center. The consortium resulted from the collaborative efforts of the IU Simon Cancer Center, Indiana State Department of Health, and the Great Lakes Division of the American Cancer Society.
The ICC now has about 50 member organizations. Focus areas of the consortium include breast, cervical, colorectal, prostate and tobacco-related cancers, advocacy and data.
The ICC, in conjunction with the Indiana State Department of Health, completed in October 2004 the The Indiana Cancer Control Plan. The plan calls for prevention, early detection, treatment, and quality of life actions for breast, cervical, colorectal, prostate, and tobacco-related cancers. Priorities are based on existing cancer data, scientific research findings, and recognition of the significance of quality data and cancer-related advocacy.
Another accomplishment includes the publication of the Indiana Cancer Facts and Figures, completed and distributed throughout the state to aid cancer control program planning.
Stephen D. Williams, MD, IU Simon Cancer Center director, is chair of the steering committee. Victoria Champion, DNS, leader of the IU Simon Cancer Center Cancer Prevention and Control Program, is co-chair of the consortium. The consortium is funded in part by the Centers for Disease Control.
Summer Research Program
The IU Simon Cancer Center Summer Research Program (SRP) aims to increase the number of high school and undergraduate students from underrepresented populations pursuing biomedical and behavioral science careers by providing positive and meaningful firsthand exposure to these fields.
SRP participants benefit from interacting with the cancer center’s investigators and research activities. The program was established in the summer of 2002 and receives funding from the NCI Minority Branch CURE Program.
Health Fairs
The importance of clinical trials as well as the prevention and early detection of cancer are emphasized by the IU Simon Cancer Center as an exhibitor in numerous community health fairs held in a variety of settings, including hospitals, workplaces, churches and schools. Health fairs are staffed by oncology nurses, social workers, physicians and patient educators.
The IU Simon Cancer Center has been a sponsor and exhibitor since 2004 at the Black Expo Summer Celebration's Black and Minority Health Fair, which is the largest health fair in the nation and provides more than 100,000 health screenings each year.
Community Speaking Engagements
The IU Simon Cancer Center is frequently asked to speak at various community events, groups or organizations on a specific topic, such as breast cancer or clinical trials. Speakers are IU Simon Cancer Center physicians, oncology nurses, social workers and other professional support staff.
For a current listing of community events, including those featuring IU Simon Cancer Center guest speakers, see the Community Events section.