Minority and underserved groups across Minnesota and the United States suffer disproportionately from cancer. Developing trusted community relationships is one of the most effective methods to overcome these unequal cancer burdens.

Under the umbrella of the University of Minnesota Medical School, the Program in Health Disparities Research was established in March 2006 to develop and implement programs to address unequal health burdens among minority and underserved populations. The program is dedicated to eliminating these disparities through research, education, and community partnerships.

Director Kolawole Okuyemi, M.D., M.P.H., leads the effort. An associate professor of family medicine and a member of the Masonic Cancer Center, Okuyemi understands the effects of health disparities from personal experience with family and friends who suffer from preventable diseases. "This issue won't solve itself," says Okuyemi. "We need to make it a priority or the gap will become wider."

The Masonic Cancer Center recognizes the importance of closing that gap. In the fall of 2007, Douglas Yee, M.D., director of the Masonic Cancer Center, approached Okuyemi to better link cancer researchers with cancer disparity work in the Twin Cities community. With Okuyemi's growing community relationships and expertise on tobacco cessation, the partnership was a perfect match.

Marva Bohen, R.N., outreach director for the Masonic Cancer Center, says it's invaluable to have a trusted, respected academic presence in the community.

"Dr. Okuyemi's role streamlines work between cancer disparities and health disparities in general," says Bohen. "He is creating significant connections and relationships."

Okuyemi is focusing on two initiatives to fulfill his mission. The first is the Planning Grants in Health Disparities Research designed to support community-initiated research. Through this pilot program, community-based organizations are invited to submit proposals in partnership with a faculty investigator. The applications are then competitively reviewed. At least one-third of the applications submitted this year are cancer-related projects.

"It's a way for community members and researchers to co-identify important community health issues and jointly formulate ideas to address them," says Okuyemi.

The second initiative is the Community Dialogue Series, developed as a result of community feedback. Community organizations are invited to choose a health topic important to them. Then a panel comprised of University and community members shares health information and engages in discussion specific to the topic.

The broader purpose of these initiatives is to foster health disparities research and education and build community partnerships. These efforts in outreach research will help the Masonic Cancer Center better address disparities in cancer research and treatment.

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This story was originally published in the Masonic Cancer Center 2008 Annual Report.