The Great Lakes Division is taking up this initiative to address disparate communities and fill the need for cancer information for all populations. In the West Michigan Area Service Center, Mike Lindhout, area executive director, and Maria Mora, community program coordinator, are addressing the needs of the Latino community in the Grand Rapids area.

"I knew from discussions I have had with friends who are part of the community and with other organizations that people were having difficulty reaching out because of the language barrier," said Mike. As fluent Spanish speakers, Mike and Maria are able to communicate more effectively with the Latino community.

They have partnered with existing health organizations in the community to reach more people about the free services and programs the Society offers. Mike was invited to speak on a local Spanish language radio station, and this led to an invitation to display information and speak at the Grand Rapids' Children's Day festival.

"People were really honestly surprised that we weren't there about getting money, we weren't there to fundraise, we weren't there with our hands out – we were there to let them know what we could offer them," recalled Mike.

Mike and Maria were also invited to Viviendo con cáncer, a monthly Spanish language support group facilitated by a cancer resource specialist from Lacks Cancer Center. There they had the opportunity to present a culturally appropriate message about the Society. The visit was also memorable because it was the first for a newly diagnosed patient who Maria invited.

"She had very limited resources as far as support or people she could talk to so she was feeling very alone," said Maria, who also introduced the patient to the Road to Recovery program, which provides rides to cancer patients to and from treatment. The connections made through the outreach partnerships allowed Maria to help in more ways than one.

"I think given more time and a concerted effort at outreach in our communities, we will build trust in ACS and will be even more successful in raising cancer awareness," said Mike. "It's important for people to know that we are here to serve them no matter who they are, no matter what language they speak, and regardless of their immigration or financial status. By reaching out in a culturally appropriate way, we let the Latino community know that we understand the obstacles that they face, and are ready and willing to help."

The Society's toll-free number, 1-800-ACS-2345, has Spanish-speaking staff available. Spanish language materials are available at www.cancer.org/espanol, and Mike and Maria are gathering more print materials for translation. These materials are shared with the partnering organizations, increasing the number of people reached.

Bilingual volunteers are needed to reach more people through ACS services. If you would like to volunteer, please contact Maria Mora at (616) 364-6121.