The Area We Serve
Huntsman Cancer Institute serves the Mountain West, a vast, 524,000-square-mile region covering 17% of the continental U.S. land mass. This area includes all of Utah, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, and Wyoming. With a population of nearly 10 million people, Huntsman Cancer Institute serves the largest land area by any National Cancer Institute-designated cancer center. We are committed to addressing the cancer-related needs of all Mountain West residents.
What We Do
Community Outreach and Engagement teams place health equity at the forefront of all we do. Our work is informed by ongoing, bidirectional collaboration and communication between Huntsman Cancer Institute and community partners in each state.
- We monitor the cancer needs of the Mountain West and conduct research relative to the needs of the geographic area we serve.
- We build mutually beneficial partnerships between HCI, community-based organizations, and the populations we serve, including those who have been disproportionately affected by cancer.
- We work to improve knowledge and awareness of cancer risk factors, prevention, screening, treatment, and enrollment in clinical trials.
- We create awareness campaigns and share accurate and tailored education through health events, presentations, social media, traditional news outlets, and other venues to reach our community members.
- We enhance delivery and access to cancer screenings through mobile cancer screening, telemedicine, and partnerships with health systems across the region.
- We work to eliminate barriers to care and increase access to life-saving treatment through patient navigation.
- We study population health and bring community organizations together to create long-term solutions to prevent cancer and improve health equity.
“We view the area we serve with a deep sense of responsibility. We are committed to designing, implementing, and delivering strategies to reduce the burden of cancer across the Mountain West.”
Community Partners, Collaborations, and Coalitions
We collaborate and foster sustainable relationships with state and regional organizations to engage the community in cancer education, screening, prevention, policy, and research.
Community Partners and Collaborations
Bidirectional collaboration enables our programs to reach racially and ethnically diverse groups, those who live in rural areas, and those who experience socioeconomic, and geographic barriers to education, cancer screening services, treatment, and participation in research. We are always looking to form and build new relationships with many types of organizations:
- Businesses
- Coalitions and alliances
- Community-based organizations
- Faith-based organizations
- Hospitals and health care systems
- Nonprofit organizations
- Schools, colleges, and universities
Cancer Coalitions
We work regularly with comprehensive cancer control programs and cancer coalitions in the Mountain West. Each state creates a State Cancer Plan, which identifies how each coalition addresses the burden of cancer in its state. View the Mountain West State Cancer Plans:
- Comprehensive Cancer Alliance for Idaho
- Montana Cancer Coalition and Montana American Indian Women's Health Coalition
- Nevada Cancer Coalition
- Utah Cancer Action Network
- Wyoming Cancer Coalition
“Our teams are devoted to community, near and far, and are passionate about collaborating to improve the health of all Mountain West residents.”
Programs, Services, and Community-Engaged Research
Community Advisory Board
The Community Advisory Board comprises 35 members from Utah and the Mountain West. The board works with HCI to engage the community in cancer research, clinical services, education, and prevention efforts and prioritizes opportunities to improve community health.
Community Health Events
Community Health Educators attend events to educate, provide materials, and connect participants to HCI and community resources. All services are free and are available in English and Spanish. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, all in-person events will be reviewed individually. For more information and to make a request, please fill out the health event request form.
Community Presentations
Community Health Educators present to groups (large and small) about cancer risk, prevention, screening, and care. All presentations are free, are available in English and Spanish, and can be modified to meet your needs. Presentations are available virtually (pre-recorded and live) and in-person. For more information and to make a request, please fill out the presentation request form.
Center for Hope
The Center for HOPE serves as a bridge to bring researchers and community organizations together to create long term solutions to prevent cancer and chronic disease, and improve health equity.
Clinical Trials and Research Studies
Clinical trials and research studies test research ideas to safely and effectively prevent, screen, diagnose, and treat cancer. These new and innovative approaches benefit our patients and community.
Educational Materials
Community health educators develop educational materials on the following topics: cancer prevention, cancer screening, clinical trials, diet and exercise, financial assistance, genetic counseling, HPV vaccination, radon, sun safety, and tobacco cessation. To request materials, email cancerinfo@hci.utah.edu.
Intermountain West HPV Vaccination Coalition
The Intermountain West HPV Vaccination Coalition brings together immunization program representatives with cancer control experts, pediatricians, primary care specialists, parents, and community members to improve HPV vaccination across the region.
Patient Navigation
Patient navigators work with patients and families to help them find their way through the complex health care system and access life-saving treatment.
Screening and Education Bus
This state-of-the-art clinic on wheels brings HCI's expertise and the latest screening technology to all Utah residents--in distant and rural communities, as well as underserved urban areas. Employers, community organizations, and church groups can schedule visits.
Let's Work Together
Garrett Harding
Community Outreach and Engagement
Huntsman Cancer Institute
801-587-9976