ACS is partnering with the Puerto Rico Public Health Trust (PRPHT) to enhance local communities' cancer prevention and early detection efforts. This initiative will train health workers and community advocates to become part of our Health Equity Ambassador program, equipping them with vital knowledge on cancer prevention, screening, and available colorectal, breast, and prostate cancer resources.
Empowering Local Communities
Through this collaboration, more than 50 community members will receive training—delivered entirely in Spanish—to ensure cultural relevance and accessibility. These ambassadors will actively engage over 5,000 residents via community events, media outreach, and direct education efforts, emphasizing the role of nutrition, physical activity, and early detection in reducing cancer risk.
A Survivor’s Mission
One inspiring advocate is Brunilda Sabater, a breast cancer survivor and PRPHT Community Health Worker. After overcoming cancer, Brunilda dedicated herself to guiding her community in Ponce toward healthier lifestyles. Her story underscores the lifesaving power of early detection and the impact of peer-driven education.
Training and Impact
These ambassadors will participate in an in-person training session on March 27 led by ACS. The program covers key cancer topics, including prevention strategies and clinical trials. Ambassadors will then work directly with community members to encourage proactive health measures that promote cancer risk reduction.
The project aims to reach thousands through workshops, informational sessions, and home visits, targeting the most prevalent cancers in Puerto Rico, based on mortality data from 2018-2022:
- Men: Prostate cancer (16.2%), colorectal cancer (12.7%)
- Women: Breast cancer (17.7%), colorectal cancer (12.2%)would impact grant funding for research institutions.
Research indicates that 41.5% of the population born today in Puerto Rico may develop some type of cancer during their lifetime.
Strengthening Our Commitment
Tawana Thomas Johnson, senior vice president and chief diversity officer, highlighted the significance of this initiative, saying,
“We are thrilled to be making history by training health workers and community advocates in Puerto Rico for the first time in their native Spanish. This milestone reflects our unwavering commitment to the Puerto Rican culture and community and underscores the critical importance of prevention in our united fight against cancer. As we prepare the Health Access Ambassadors in Puerto Rico, we are empowering individuals with the knowledge and tools needed to drive positive change and improve health outcomes for generations to come. This collaboration is a testament to our dedication to improving health equity and empowering communities with the resources needed to prevent and detect cancer early.”
Puerto Rico Media Spotlight
Metro TV and behealth Oncología featured this inspiring initiative in Puerto Rico! Check out the coverage (in Spanish) to see the impact firsthand.
