Cancer Outreach Across Communities: Education, Advocacy and Bridging the Digital Divide

Mar 13 5:00pm | Jasmine Souers | @jasminesouers

Across Mayo Clinic, the Office of Community Outreach and Engagement (COE) is collaborating with local organizations, empowering individuals, and advancing health education, cancer prevention, and digital literacy. Here’s a look at how these collective efforts are making a difference.

Championing Cancer Education and Advocacy

From the Arizona State Capitol to the Minnesota Cancer Alliance Summit, our team is at the forefront of cancer education and advocacy. In Arizona, we joined the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network to support policies aimed at ending cancer for everyone. By sharing education on prevention, clinical trials, and local resources, we’re working hand-in-hand with advocates, nonprofits, and policymakers to advance cancer survivorship for all.

Similarly, in the Midwest, our team’s presence at the 2026 Minnesota Cancer Alliance Summit allowed us to showcase programs like Pool Cool Sun Safety and Multi-Channel Communication Campaigns, while also highlighting our Indigenous health initiatives. In addition to providing information on our programs, we had the opportunity to collaborate with other leaders in cancer prevention, treatment, and survivorship to further community health efforts.

Strengthening Communities Through Wellness and Cultural Engagement

Our holistic approach recognizes the importance of cultural identity and community support in wellness. The Body & Spirit program in downtown Phoenix brought together tribal members from the Gila River Indian Community, Hualapai, Navajo, Hopi, and Rosebud Sioux Nations. Through shared experiences and a focus on cancer-fighting nutrition, participants began a season of learning and collective strength.

In Florida, our long-standing collaboration with 2nd Mile Ministries and the “As We Gather” sessions extends health education on topics like nutrition, tobacco use, and recommended screenings, ensuring resources are relevant and accessible to diverse communities.

Bridging the Digital Divide for Better Health

We’re dedicated to reducing barriers to health by expanding digital literacy. The CoTECH Digital Literacy Training program is a 6-week course that covers everything from email basics to online job searching and safety.

In Arizona, the CoTECH Digital Literacy Training, in partnership with Salud en Balance, is empowering Community Health Workers to better serve Spanish-speaking families —helping them navigate technology for credible health information, telehealth, and cybersecurity. In the Midwest, we’re working with The Center Clinic to ensure participants feel confident and connected in today’s digital world. In Florida, we engage seniors and community members in hands-on learning, building skills in device use, telehealth, and online etiquette. The impact is evident in participants’ feedback, as they gain confidence and practical knowledge to support their health and daily lives.

Expanding Access Through Mobile Outreach and Research Engagement

In Florida, our Mobile Research Unit is increasing community access to clinical trials and research, partnering with local clinics for open houses and educational discussions. By connecting with organizations like LifeTree and The Way Clinic, we’re building trust and engagement, helping more people understand and participate in research that benefits community health.

By sharing knowledge, maintaining powerful collaborations, and listening to community voices, we’re making a lasting impact— empowering communities and advancing science.