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

CCOE’s Team

Lisa Carter-Bawa, Ph.D., MPH, APRN, ANP-C, FAAN
Director, Cancer Prevention Precision Control Institute, CDI
Co-Director, Community Outreach & Engagement for the Georgetown Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center
Director, Cancer Community Outreach & Engagement, John Theurer Cancer Center at Hackensack Meridian Health

Elan Shoulders, MPH
Manager, Community Outreach and Engagement
elan.shoulders@hmhn.org

Arminda Jaochico, BSN, RN-C, TTS
Nurse Navigator, Community Outreach and Engagement
arminda.jaochico@hmhn.org

Stephanie Cajamarca, BS
Community Health Worker, Community Outreach and Engagement
stephanie.cajamarca@hmhn.org

Miriam Lucca Susana
Data Coordinator, Community Outreach and Engagement
miriam.luccasusana@hmhn.org

Alikah Green
Community Health Worker, Community Outreach and Engagement
alikah.green@hmhn.org

Alida Rodriguez
Community Health Worker,Community Outreach and Engagement
alida.rodriguez@hmhn.org

Ebony Orr
Navigation Coordinator,Community Outreach and Engagement
ebony.orr@hmhn.org

Kathy Suqui
Patient Navigator/Clinical Research Coordinator, Community Outreach and Engagement
kathy.suqui@hmhn.org

General JTCC COE Email
coejtcc@hmhn.org

Meet the members of the Community Advisory Council

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.

2023 Past Events

Men’s Health Event
Calvary Baptist Church Family Resource Fair
African American Chamber of Commerce Juneteenth Business/Health Expo
Healthy Kids Day YMCA of Greater Bergen County
Mount Olive Baptist Church Health Fair
Garfield Pride Celebration

Upcoming Events

Empowerment Event Dedicated to Survivors of Breast Cancer and Domestic Violence

Date: Saturday, October 7, 2023
Time: 10 am - 2 pm
Location: Mt. Pilgrim Missionary Baptist Church (163 Autumn Street, Passaic, NJ 07055)
RSVP: https://events.hackensackmeridianhealth.org/5DaYBD
Download Event Flyer

Talk on Vaccinations and Issues About Public Health

Dr. Abraham Aragones will be doing a talk in partnership with Partnership For Maternal Health of Northern NJ. He will be taking questions regarding vaccinations and issues about public health.

Date: Thursday, October 12th, 2023
Time: 12:00pm- 1:00pm
Location: Zoom invite will follow registration
Download event flyer
Click here to Register