Ward 8 Has the Highest Cancer Mortality Rates in Washington, D.C. This Nonprofit Intends to Change That.
09 Mayo 2024 - 10:22AM
Despite having some of the world’s leading academic and research
hospitals, Washington, D.C. has one of the highest reported death
rates due to breast and prostate cancer in the nation and is ranked
highest in overall cancer mortality. According to the District of
Columbia’s Cancer Control Plan 2022-2026, there are 18,750 cancer
survivors living in the District of Columbia, and residents of its
Ward 8 have the highest mortality rates.
For decades, the Cancer Support Community (CSC), a global
nonprofit, has been headquartered in Washington, D.C., steps away
from the White House and near the heartbeat of national legislative
activities. CSC’s mission is to uplift and strengthen people
impacted by cancer by providing support, fostering compassionate
communities, and breaking down barriers to care. Witnessing this
“tale of two cities” led CSC’s leadership to commit to establishing
a service location in the DMV area, with a special focus on serving
the residents of Washington, D.C.’s Wards 7 and 8. On Thurs., May
23, the Cancer Support Community Washington D.C. (CSC DC) will host
a ribbon cutting ceremony for its new home, proudly located in Ward
8.
“The statistics for Washington, D.C. are staggering,” CSC CEO
Sally Werner stated. “We know from our experience offering services
at no cost, at 190 network partner locations across the U.S. and
beyond, as well as operating our Cancer Support Helpline, that
navigation and support can alleviate many challenges cancer
patients, survivors, and caregivers face, including barriers to
care related to health disparities, financial toxicity, and social
and emotional concerns. We are confident that bringing our model of
care to the region, and particularly Ward 8, will have a positive
impact on the lives of people coping with a cancer diagnosis.”
In September 2021, CSC DC opened its virtual doors with the help
of generous donors and those in the community who care about
providing support and navigation services at no cost to Washington,
D.C., Maryland, and Virginia residents impacted by cancer. Since
then, CSC DC has offered support groups, short-term counseling,
navigation, education, and healthy lifestyle classes both online
and in person through partnerships. They were recently featured in
a POPSUGAR article about the emotional effects of breast cancer
that can linger after treatment ends.
"We are excited to have a place in Washington, D.C. to call
home, particularly in an area whose residents have little access to
care or support,” CSC DC Executive Director Zubair Ansari said,
enthusiastically speaking of the two-story building on MLK Avenue
SE in Ward 8 that will allow CSC DC to improve programming for
communities that need it most. He looks forward to adding
enhanced cancer support services, including nutritional
demonstrations, in-person support, and more, to the menu of
available services. “CSC DC will be a beacon of light for everyone
in Washington, D.C. and its surrounding communities. I am thrilled
to join forces with local support organizations, advocacy groups,
and business partners to help mitigate health inequity in D.C. and
the greater DMV area.”
The May 23 celebration is expected to bring together CSC HQ and
CSC DC leadership, healthcare providers, elected officials,
supporters, patients, survivors, caregivers, advocacy groups, and
other partners. Ward 8 Councilman Trayon White is scheduled to
attend and present remarks. “I’m thrilled that CSC DC has chosen to
open their first location in our famed Anacostia neighborhood,”
Councilman White said. He further explained: “The health and
wellness of my constituents is a top priority, and we all know that
cancer is a life-changing diagnosis that can have a devastating
impact on individuals and their families. Having compassionate,
professionally led, evidence-based support, navigation, and
education that is free for cancer patients, survivors, caregivers,
and loved ones right here in our community is a game
changer.”
For more information about the ribbon cutting ceremony, contact
Nathalie Casthely at communications@cancersupportcommunity.org.
About the Cancer Support Community Washington, D.C.
The Cancer Support Community Washington, D.C. is a nonprofit
that uplifts and strengthens people impacted by cancer residing in
Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia, with a focus on residents
who are disproportionately affected by the disease. We are
dedicated to fostering a community where patients, survivors,
caregivers, and loved ones access emotional support, navigation,
healthy lifestyle activities, social connection, education, and
referral services provided with compassion and expertise — in
person or online and at no cost. And we are committed to breaking
down barriers to care. In addition to having support in their
community, participants are presented with opportunities to join
forces with other impacted people from our partner locations across
the U.S. and beyond to advocate on issues important to cancer
patients at the local, state, and national levels and to contribute
to important research that inspires positive change in cancer care
and the patient experience. https://www.cancersupportdc.org/
Nathalie Casthely
Cancer Support Community
9175724517
communications@cancersupportcommunity.org