Community Outreach and Engagement

Cancer Community Outreach and Engagement (CCOE) has always been an important component of cancer centers funded by the National Cancer Institute (NCI) since the initiation of the program in 1971. In the present day, CCOE focuses on all aspects of a cancer center’s programs from basic and clinical research to translational and population-based science.

The John Theurer Cancer Center CCOE department's mission is to address critical gaps in cancer prevention, early detection, and education efforts in both community-based and clinically-based research in our catchment area. CCOE provides health and research-related education, connects the community to cancer screening and prevention resources, and navigates community members through the healthcare system. Our goal is to demystify the process of seeking screening, obtaining screening, receiving results, and following up with recommended actions. We aim to improve cancer outcomes in the Bergen, Passaic and Hudson County communities with early detection and prevention.

While working toward this mission, the COE team will incorporate ways to assess and address social determinants of health, including but not limited to access to affordable health care, access to nutrient-rich food, education, transportation, housing, and more..

Vision, Mission and Values

Vision: To achieve cancer health equity in our catchment area through community outreach and engagement in our diverse population. All people will have the same access to cancer related screening, treatment and education.

Mission: By providing health education, addressing social determinants of health, connecting the community to cancer screening resources, and navigating community members through the healthcare system, we are able to improve cancer outcomes in the communities of Bergen, Hudson, and Passaic Counties with early detection and prevention.

Core Values

• Excellence
• Equity
• Diversity
• Collaboration
• Accountability
• Integrity

Services Offered

• Cancer Prevention and Early Detection Presentations
• Community-Based Screenings (Blood Pressure, Lipid Panel (Cholesterol), Diabetes screening (A1C), Prostate Antigen Test (PSA), and take home Colon FIT Kit)
• Social Determinants of Health Assessments
• Navigation to Cancer Screenings and other resources as needed
• Community Events/Tabling for Cancer education

CCOE’s Team

Lisa Carter-Bawa, Ph.D., MPH, APRN, ANP-C, FAAN
Director, Cancer Prevention Precision Control Institute, CDI
Co-Director, Community Outreach & Engagement for the Georgetown Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center
Director, Cancer Community Outreach & Engagement, John Theurer Cancer Center at Hackensack Meridian Health

Elan Shoulders, MPH
Manager, Community Outreach and Engagement
elan.shoulders@hmhn.org

Arminda Jaochico, BSN, RN-C, TTS
Nurse Navigator, JTCC Community Outreach and Engagement
arminda.jaochico@hmhn.org

Ebony Orr, BA, BS, MPH
Navigation Coordinator, JTCC Community Outreach and Engagement
ebony.orr@hmhn.org

Miriam Lucca-Susana, CCRC
Data Coordinator, JTCC Community Outreach and Engagement
miriam.luccasusana@hmhn.org

Stephanie Cajamarca, BS
Community Health Worker, JTCC Community Outreach and Engagement
stephanie.cajamarca@hmhn.org

Alikah Green
Community Health Worker, JTCC Community Outreach and Engagement
alikah.green@hmhn.org

Alida Rodriguez
Community Health Worker, JTCC Community Outreach and Engagement
Alida.Rodriguez@hmhn.org

Kathy Suqui, B.S.
Clinical Research Patient Navigator, JTCC Community Outreach and Engagement
kathy.suqui@hmhn.org

Stephanie Marks
Clinical Research Patient Navigator, JTCC Community Outreach and Engagement
stephanie.marks1@hmhn.org

General JTCC COE Email
coejtcc@hmhn.org"

Engaging the Community: JTCC's Cancer Outreach and Engagement Unit

Our team at John Theurer Cancer Center's Cancer Community Outreach and Engagement department actively participates in health fairs and various community outreach initiatives centered around cancer-related topics. If you're interested in having us be a part of your health fair or event, please reach out to us at coejtcc@hmhn.org. We look forward to collaborating with you for a healthier community.

Upcoming Events

Caribbean Latino Block Party and Health Fair

Date: July 13
Time: 10 am - 4 pm
Location: Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine, 123 Metro Boulevard, Nutley, NJ 07110
Click here to register

Men's 3rd Annual Health Fair

Date: September 21
Time: 9 am - 3 pm
Location: Hackensack Recreation Center, 116 Holt St. Hackensack, NJ 07601
Click here to Register

Past Event Participation (2024)