Innovative Partnership Expands Colorectal Cancer Screening Access in North Carolina

Enhancing Colorectal Cancer Screening in North Carolina

In a significant initiative, mPATH Health, a cutting-edge digital health organization, has partnered with two Federally Qualified Health Centers, Kintegra Health and Blue Ridge Health, along with the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NC DHHS). This collaboration aims to address the crucial need for increased colorectal cancer (CRC) screenings throughout North Carolina.

Colorectal cancer is known to be the second leading cause of cancer-related fatalities in the U.S., yet it’s one of the most preventable types of cancer through regular screening. Experts commonly recommend that adults of average risk begin screenings at the age of 45. Unfortunately, recent national statistics reveal that less than half of those receiving care at Federally Qualified Health Centers are current with their screenings. Recognizing this alarming trend, mPATH and its partners launched a large-scale outreach initiative involving over 10,000 North Carolinians whose electronic health records indicate they are overdue for screening.

The outreach initiative leverages mPATH's patient-centered digital technology to send personalized text messages to patients, educating them about their risks and encouraging screening appointments—all while easing the workload on clinic staff. David Miller, CEO and Founder of mPATH, emphasizes the transformation in how preventive healthcare is accessed, stating, “When is the last time you needed to call a travel agent to book a hotel, or a banker to make a withdrawal? Why should managing your preventive healthcare be any different?”

The initiative is supported by the Partnership to Increase Colorectal Cancer Screening (PICCS) program, which is funded and directed by NC DHHS. According to Jennifer Park, Project Director at the NC DHHS, their objective is to foster innovative and evidence-based initiatives that effectively address screening gaps and ultimately save lives. “This partnership has shown early signs of impact, and we're excited to see where it goes,” Park said.

Kintegra Health, which serves over 100,000 patients each year across 17 counties, is dedicated to removing barriers to care. Ms. Erin Hultgren, Director of Community Health and Prevention at Kintegra Health, noted that reaching patients who are less likely to prioritize screenings is crucial. mPATH's involvement has enabled them to connect with patients in a scalable and impactful way.

Meanwhile, Blue Ridge Health operates more than 20 practice sites across 10 counties and serves around 45,000 patients annually. Ashley Bland, Director of Practice Operations, pointed out that this initiative complements their broader population health strategy, helping them to tackle health issues proactively before they escalate into more serious and costly problems.

mPATH Health strives to innovate cancer screening methods by merging automated technology with behavioral science. This approach helps health systems identify patients needing preventive care and connects them to necessary services. With the increasing use of mPATH's digital engagement platform, there is marked improvement in preventive care outcomes, reduced disparities, and enhanced efficiency in care team workflows.

For those interested in learning more about mPATH Health and its initiatives, more information can be found on their official website: www.mpathhealth.com.

The partnership between mPATH Health, Kintegra Health, Blue Ridge Health, and NC DHHS exemplifies a growing trend of leveraging technology within healthcare to bridge gaps in access and care. As these organizations continue to work collaboratively, they aim to not only increase screening rates but also contribute to the overall wellbeing of the communities they serve in North Carolina.