In collaboration with the Puerto Rico Comprehensive Cancer Center and Puerto Rico Academy of Medical Directors, Migrant Clinicians Network, Inc. (MCN) will launch a two-year initiative to enhance patient navigation for breast and cervical cancer care amidst severe environmental disasters, including heat waves, hurricanes, and droughts, that disrupt health care services. By engaging at least 10 Federally Qualified Health Centers and training approximately 100 patient navigators, the initiative aims to improve cancer care resilience and address structural barriers within historically underserved areas, ensuring continuity of care during disruptions. The initiative is funded by the Prevent Cancer Foundation. 

“This project is crucial for uplifting and supporting the health of the most vulnerable in Puerto Rico by providing best practices in patient navigation in community health centers. During the first days and weeks after Hurricane Maria, these centers became the first to provide support to those in need of medical assistance and medications, playing a vital role in a public health crisis when many hospitals were closed. For cancer patients, this response was especially critical, as disruptions in care can have devastating effects. Strengthening these centers’ ability to support cancer patients during emergencies is essential to reducing the impact of future disasters and preventing complications that could arise from interrupted care,” said Marysel Pagán Santana, DrPH, Director of Environmental and Occupational Health at Migrant Clinicians Network. 

“This initiative aligns with our mission to create practical solutions to the health needs that people face, particularly in the wake of disasters like Hurricane Maria,” explained Nilsa Padilla-Elias, MPA, Research Manager for Migrant Clinicians Network.

You can read the full press release on the Prevent Cancer Foundation website: Prevent Cancer Foundation Awards $1.3 million to Patient Navigation Programs throughout the US