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

In the News and Podcasts

• CCOE Staff Member Featured in Podcast for Caregiver's Month
• Creating for a Cause - The Clifton Times
• NJ block party aims to address health disparities in Caribbean, Latino communities

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