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Profiles of People and ProjectsCommunity Grants ProgramIn June 2007 the Carolina Community Network initiated the CCN Community Grants Program. Recognizing that communities have unique strengths and untapped resources, the program invites community organizations to partner with the CCN to develop small-scale projects that address breast, prostate and colorectal cancer disparities in the adult African American population. The CCN competitively awards community grants to community-based, faith-based, health care organizations and other community groups that serve one or more of the CCN's 13 targeted counties. Projects range in funding from $500-$10,000 and must be completed within 12 months. The goal of the CCN Community Grants Program is to engage community organizations in the research process regardless of their size, capacity or experience. 2007 Community Grantees (Projects)
2008 Community Grantees (Projects)
PeoplePaul Godley, MD, PhD, MPPPrincipal Investigator 
Dr. Godley holds a variety of positions and administrative posts at the University of North Carolina at
Chapel Hill, including associate professor in the Division of Hematology/Oncology at the School of
Medicine and adjunct associate professor in the Departments of Epidemiology and Biostatistics in the
School of Public Health. His ongoing commitment to minority health and health disparities research is
exemplified by his leadership as founding director of the UNC Program
on Ethnicity, Culture and Health Outcomes (ECHO)
Pilot ProjectsImproving Colorectal Cancer Screening: Enhancing systems and health communicationPRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR: Paul A. Godley, MD, PhDPROJECT LEADER: Cathy Melvin, PhD, MPH MENTOR: Marci Campbell, PhD, MPH Colorectal cancer (CRC), although preventable, is the second leading cause of cancer in the U.S. African Americans experience higher CRC morbidity and mortality compared to other populations. Racial disparities in CRC outcomes are largely attributed to lower CRC screening rates for African Americans. Of recommended CRC screening methods, the least expensive is yearly fecal immunochemical test (FIT) or fecal occult blood test (FOBT). Both are self-administered home tests. Increasing CRC early detection has been limited by low rates of FOBT/FIT completion and return. This feasibility study examines whether 1) re-packaging home-based FIT kits will address barriers to kit use among African American adults age 50 or older in Guilford County, North Carolina and 2) it is possible to develop and maintain a community-wide, integrated system (CRC Safety Net) to assure timely and coordinated FIT distribution, collection, results notification and referral services regardless of patient insurance status or ability to pay. The feasibility of the project is enhanced by the active involvement of health care and public health agencies as collaborators in this project. Other ActivitiesBody and Soul: North Carolina Churches
Project Description: Nationally, rates of prostate cancer incidence and mortality are
higher for the minority population. Differences are even more pronounced within
Central NC. Health Departments within the CNCPPH are determined to find out why rates
are high in their region and what needs to be done to improve this health disparity.
Although studies have reported socioeconomic factors contribute to racial disparities
in prostate cancer mortality, this research seeks to clearly identify the predominant
socio-cultural contributors specific to the CNCPPH region. The goal of this project is
to develop a community-based research plan to be implemented among an established network
of researchers, community members, and leaders. CNCPPH will then be well-positioned to
engage communities in development and implementation of appropriate interventions.
For more information about Body and Soul, visit: http://www.bodyandsoul.nih.gov/ |
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