NSCHC Launches New Screening Program for Colorectal Cancer

March marks Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, and North Side Christian Health Center (NSCHC) is taking a bold step forward in the fight against this preventable disease. With the support of recent grant funding, NSCHC is launching a new program aimed at bringing advanced colorectal cancer screenings to our clinic, ensuring all patients—including the uninsured—have access to lifesaving early detection. Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States, but early detection significantly improves survival rates. In response, NSCHC’s new initiative is designed to increase outreach to current patients, improve access to screening methods, accelerate test results, expand treatment options, and provide essential support to vulnerable populations.

A key focus of the program is reaching individuals who have never been screened. Many patients face barriers such as cost, lack of awareness, and limited access to follow-up care. Through this initiative, NSCHC aims to eliminate these obstacles by offering screenings at no cost to uninsured patients and promoting adherence to follow-up colonoscopies for those requiring further evaluation.

Additionally, the program seeks to improve compliance among individuals aged 45 to 49, following updated national screening guidelines recommending earlier detection efforts. By raising awareness and making screenings more accessible, NSCHC hopes to increase participation and ultimately save lives.

“This initiative represents a significant step forward in ensuring that every NSCHC patient, regardless of their financial situation, has access to vital colorectal cancer screenings,” said Anneliese Harris, NSCHC Nurse Care Manger. “Our goal is to detect cancer earlier, provide faster results, and offer timely treatment options, particularly for those who have never been screened before.”

Throughout March, NSCHC will engage the community with educational outreach, emphasizing the importance of routine screenings and preventive care. Patients are encouraged to speak with their healthcare providers about scheduling a screening and learning more about available resources.

For more information or to schedule a screening, call 412-321-4001 or visit the NSCHC website to request an appointment.