Supporting Breast Cancer Screening Efforts with Prairie Island Indian Community

Jul 23 3:13pm | Jasmine Souers | @jasminesouers

The Office of Community Outreach and Engagement (COE) joined the Prairie Island Indian Community’s breast cancer screening effort this summer as part of a growing relationship rooted in trust, listening, and continued presence. Team members Manal Abbadi and Anavelia Segura traveled to Welch, Minnesota, to represent Mayo Clinic at the “Grow Your Health” Health Fair at Treasure Island Resort & Casino. The event brought together Native community members, rural residents, families, staff, and local partners for a day centered on wellness, connection, and access to health resources.

From the start of the day, the team's table became a welcoming space for conversation. Community members stopped by to learn about Community Engagement (CE) Studios, ask questions, and share their perspectives on how lived experience can help shape better health research. With an estimated 300 attendees and more than 50 resource tables, the team directly engaged with 124 individuals and supported 42 new CE Studio registrations through on-site digital sign-up.

Culturally responsive materials and gifts helped create meaningful points of connection. Participants responded warmly to Native-designed lanyards, scarves, sweetgrass, sage, and other items that reflected culture, respect, and care. These small moments helped open the door to deeper conversations, including connections with community partners and individuals interested in future cancer education and outreach efforts.

Just a few weeks later, the team continued that presence by supporting Prairie Island’s mobile breast cancer screening event. Team members Anavelia Segura and Clarissa Rohm hosted an outreach table alongside Mayo Clinic’s mobile screening unit to share breast cancer education, promote CE Studios, and invite patients to reflect on their mammogram experience. A total of 13 patients attended the event and completed a brief survey. Several shared that the mobile unit felt more positive and accessible than past mammogram experiences, underscoring the value of bringing screening services directly into trusted community spaces.

“Participants shared appreciation for the mobile screening experience, with many noting it felt more positive and accessible than past mammogram experiences.”

Together, these efforts show how continued engagement can build momentum over time. By showing up, listening carefully, and honoring community priorities, the Office of Community Outreach and Engagement is helping support community-led cancer prevention and screening efforts while strengthening its partnership with Prairie Island Indian Community.