Colorectal Cancer Screening in FQHCs: A systems approach with proven interventions - Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States, with significant disparities in screening rates among underserved populations. Community Clinics Health Network, dba Health Quality Partners of Southern California (HQP), is an affiliate of the Health Center Partners Family of Companies (HCP), a regional primary care association supporting 17 community health center organizations. HQP proposes a multi-component initiative to increase CRC screening rates among adults aged 45-75 at five Participating Health Centers (PHCs), including four Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) and one Indian Health Service (IHS) facility in San Diego and Riverside counties. Integrated Health Partners (IHP), also part of the HCP Family of Companies, will support this initiative by providing data analytics and quality improvement strategies to enhance CRC screening efforts across PHCs. This project aims to implement evidence-based interventions (EBIs) to enhance CRC screening uptake, improve follow-up care, and reduce barriers to timely diagnosis and treatment for uninsured patients. HQP will collaborate with Champions for Health (C4H), a nonprofit organization dedicated to expanding specialty care access for uninsured and underinsured individuals, and Exact Sciences, a molecular diagnostics company specializing in early cancer detection, including Cologuard®, in partnership with Dr. Samir Gupta, a nationally recognized expert in colorectal cancer screening and prevention. The project will also leverage CRC Champions—designated health center staff leading screening initiatives at each PHC—to support EBI implementation and strengthen clinic-level engagement in increasing CRC screening rates. This initiative focuses on developing and enhancing EBIs at health centers with historically low CRC screening rates. Key strategies include integrating provider reminders, patient education campaigns, and patient navigation services to address structural barriers such as transportation and access to specialty care for uninsured individuals, ensuring colonoscopy completions. HQP will support the development of an interface between Arcadia, its population health management platform, and Cologuard, ensuring PHCs have seamless access to screening results for more effective tracking, follow-up, and reporting of screening completions. Expected project outcomes include increased CRC screening prevalence, higher stool test return rates, improved colonoscopy completion rates, and the integration of sustainable screening practices across participating clinics. This initiative aligns with Healthy People 2030 goals and CDC priorities by addressing screening disparities and promoting systematic changes that ensure access to CRC screening and follow-up care. Through targeted interventions and collaborative partnerships, HQP and its partners will enhance early detection, reduce CRC-related mortality, and improve long-term health outcomes for communities in Southern California.
