South Dakota: Changing Health Systems Using EBIs to Increase Colorectal Cancer Screening - The South Dakota Department of Health (SD DOH) is applying for CDC-RFA-DP-25-0012, Changing Health Systems Using Evidence-Based Interventions to Increase Colorectal Cancer Screening. In 2022, colorectal cancer (CRC) was the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths and the fourth most commonly diagnosed cancer among men and women in South Dakota. The state's CRC screening rate (65.5%) remains below the national average (66.9%), leaving approximately 109,934 South Dakotans unscreened (SD BRFSS, 2022). This project aims to increase CRC screening rates among individuals aged 45–75, particularly those served by Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) and Indian Health Service (IHS) Clinics, where screening rates are lower. SD DOH will collaborate with 13 clinic sites and 4 supporting partners to implement at least three multi-component evidence-based interventions (EBIs) to improve CRC screening rates. These EBIs include provider reminders, provider assessment and feedback, client reminders, patient navigation, and reducing structural barriers. The target population includes average-risk men and women aged 45–75 who are eligible for CRC screening under U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommendations. Priority populations include uninsured individuals, those living in rural and frontier counties designated as healthcare shortage areas, and American Indian communities, all of whom experience disproportionately high CRC incidence and mortality rates. Additional focus will be placed on low-income individuals (earning <$35,000 annually) and those aged 45–54, who have lower screening rates. Through the attainment of the proposed SD DOH project period outcomes, the SD DOH will achieve 1) increased implementation and enhancement of EBIs in partner clinics, 2) increased stool test kits returned and colonoscopy procedures completed in partner clinics, and 3) increased CRC screening in partner clinics, which will contribute to attainment of the intermediate and long-term outcomes indicated in the DP25-0012 logic model.
