Session 1

Understanding and Addressing Cancer Equity in Vermont 

Friday, April 1, 2022, 10 am – 12 pm 

Participants will learn about the 2025 Vermont Cancer Plan and become more educated on the disparities that exist in cancer diagnosis and treatment across historically underrepresented groups (i.e., BIPOC, LGBTQ+, Vermonters living with disabilities and low-income Vermonters) and the importance of cultural competence strategies in reducing health disparities.

Session Goals

  1. Participants will learn about the 2025 Vermont Cancer Plan and its goals, objectives, and strategies to reduce the burden of cancer in Vermont.
  2. Participants will learn about the cancer disparities that exist for underrepresented groups in Vermont, including BIPOC, LGBTQ+, individuals living with disabilities, and low-income Vermonters.
  3. Participants will learn about the efforts of the Vermont Department of Health to address health disparities and promote health equity in Vermont.
  4. Participants will deepen their understanding of the critical issues and barriers affecting Vermonters with disabilities and how they can influence health disparities, through lived experience and advocacy work.5.Participants willdeepen their understanding of cultural competency in healthcare and learn about ways that individuals can apply these principles in their work.

The health equity training portion of this session will be facilitated by Robin R. Shabazz, Esq., Principal and Founder of the Eastledge Group, LLC, a management consulting firm specializing in diversity, equity and inclusion.

Session 2

Access to Cancer Care in Vermont 

Thursday, May 5, 2022, 10 am – 12 pm

Participants will learn about and discuss barriers faced by Vermonters in accessing cancer care, including transportation, financial burdens, and health care costs. This session will bring together a panel of survivors, caregivers, patient advocates, and transportation professionals, to highlight and discuss solutions to cancer care challenges experienced by cancer patients and their caregivers. 

Session Goals

  1. Participants will explore the barriers to accessing health care in Vermont for cancer patients, including transportation, financial barriers, and health care costs. 
  2. Participants will learn about the lived experience of cancer patients and their caregivers, through personal stories to understand the barriers and explore solutions to health care access in Vermont. 
  3. Participants will learn about transportation gaps and programs and services in the state that are working to improve healthcare access for Vermonters.  

Session 3

Cancer Screening During Covid-19

Participants will hear from a panel of individuals with expertise and personal experience to discuss the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on cancer screening in Vermont. The session will focus on the decrease in screenings, related barriers and strategies to increase screening rates.