FHS Wins National Award for Colorectal Screening Rates

March 5, 2023

American Cancer Society National Colorectal Cancer Roundtable Honors Family Health Services for their Effort to Increase Colorectal Cancer Screenings

TWIN FALLS, IDAHO —Today, the American Cancer Society National Colorectal Cancer Roundtable (ACS NCCRT), founded in partnership with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, honors Family Health Services (FHS) with the 2024 80% In Every Community National Achievement Award under the category ‘Community Health Center’ for their extraordinary work to increase colorectal cancer screening rates across their community.  

“We applaud Family Health Services for their work to raise awareness about the critical need for increased colorectal cancer screening rates in their community,” said Steven Itzkowitz, MD, gastroenterologist with the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, and NCCRT chair. “Their effort is instrumental in helping reduce the incidence of and mortality from colorectal cancer.” 

 

According to the American Cancer Society, the number of colorectal cancers in the US for 2024 are estimated to be about 106,590 new cases of colon cancer (54,210 in men and 52,380 in women) and about 46,220 new cases of rectal cancer (27,330 in men and 18,890 in women). 

“Behind every statistic is a life–a parent, a friend, a neighbor, whose future may be dramatically altered by early detection,” said Aaron Houston, FHS CEO, “we are so honored to receive this award, and we are even more proud of our team because they are the ones who focused on these goals. They recognize that early detection gives our patients a chance against colorectal cancer, and their dedication to having these conversations with our patients is so honorable.”

 

The 80% in Every Community National Achievement Awards is a program designed to recognize individuals and organizations who are dedicating their time, talent and expertise to advancing initiatives that support the shared goal to reach colorectal screening rates of 80% and higher in communities across the nation. The awards include one grand prize winner and four other honorees, each of whom receives a monetary award to support continued efforts to increase colorectal cancer screenings.  

 

In 2015, only 18% of the age-eligible population at FHS was up to date with colorectal cancer (CRC) screening. FHS received state grant funding to increase their CRC screening rates and thereafter refocused their efforts on patient education and outreach, barrier identification, provider recommendation, navigation to colonoscopy for patients with a positive or abnormal stool test, and an innovative program that fundraises at least $25,000 each year for discount colonoscopies from referral partners. January 2024 data shows the health center’s overall CRC screening rate has reached 56.2%, with some clinics and providers achieving rates of 60% to 75%. Health center staff are most proud of how their team set the bar high to reach their goal 

CRC screening rate. Through consistent quality improvement work and staff buy-in, they are reaching and exceeding expectations. 

To learn more about the NCCRT, and the 80% In Every Community initiative, visit https://nccrt.org/. 

 

About Family Health Services:

Family Health Services is a non-profit Federally Qualified Health Center that has served the people of South Central Idaho since 1982. We provide affordable medical, dental, behavioral health, pharmacy, and community-based services to everyone–regardless of their ability to pay. All forms of insurance are accepted, including Medicaid and Medicare, and sliding-fee discounts are available for those who qualify. 

For more information about FHS, we encourage you to visit fhsid.org.