AZMN TISSUE DONOR AWARENESS PROJECT (TDAP) SUMMARY

TISSUE DONOR AWARENESS PROJECT (TDAP) GRANT

BACKGROUND
On March 9, 2007, AzMN submitted a competitive proposal to ADHS for a ‘Tissue Donor Awareness Project’ in response to ADHS Request for Grant Application HR754127. On March 28, 2007, AzMN was awarded a small competitive grant by ADHS to implement AzMN’s ‘Tissue Donor Awareness Project.’

NEED, PURPOSE AND OBJECTIVE
Need for tissue sample donations is essential for cancer research to continue successfully towards a cure and not be a barrier. Cancer community needs to become more aware of and understand the “tissue Issue,” i.e. the need for tissue sample donation.

Increase patient awareness and understanding of the importance of involvement in donating tissue for cancer research and clinical studies by helping to build a bridge of knowledge and communication between the cancer communities (research, doctors and patients).

AzMN’s ‘Tissue Donor Awareness Project’ supports AZ CCP’s 14th objective to: “Educate the public regarding the importance and relevance of participating in cancer clinical trials.”... (through bio-specimen [tissue sample] donation).

ADHS REQUEST FOR GRANT APPLICATION HR754127 BACKGROUND

PURPOSE AND GOAL
The Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS), Cancer Control Program (CCP), is a program within the Office of Nutrition and Chronic Disease Prevention Services. The CCP has provided availability of funds for the purpose of implementing cancer control intervention projects across the state of Arizona through the use of several Grants. These projects must support initiatives that focus on one of fifteen (15) objectives identified in the Arizona Cancer Control Plan.

GRANT FUNDING SOURCE AND EXCLUSIONS
Federal funds were made available from the Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Cancer Prevention and Control Program. Due to the nature of these funds, awards may not be used for Cancer screening services or laboratory or clinical services, treatment, research or medical care.

IMPLEMENTATION METHOD
Develop and present to cancer communities, an Awareness Campaign of the “tissue Issue” by using diverse ‘focus groups’ in the cancer community, to promote understanding of  myeloma and other blood cancer patients’ and caregivers’ concerns about donating, and listen to their questions.

Conduct ‘focus group’ collaboration with support groups, associations, and healthcare facilities and organizations throughout Arizona and present three major ‘focus group’ workshops: Saturday, September 15, 2007, Phoenix, AZ; Saturday, October 13, 2007, Prescott, AZ and Saturday, November 17, 2007, Tucson, AZ. Additionally, and as time and interest permits, conduct smaller “focus group” sessions for the underserved.

GRANT STAFF

Barbara Kavanagh - Project Director and Kay Kays - Deputy Director

WHO IS THE ARIZONA MYELOMA NETWORK (AzMN)?

AzMN was founded in June 2004 by Barbara B. Kavanagh. Its mission is to promote Education, Awareness and Advocacy for the improved treatment and quality of life for Multiple Myeloma patients and their families and caregivers. It consists of patients, families, healthcare professionals, volunteers, and others concerned about Myeloma. Headquartered in Arizona, AzMN is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation/charity.

WHAT IS MYELOMA?

Multiple Myeloma is a complex and often misdiagnosed cancer of the bone marrow plasma cells that attacks and destroys the bone.