Repurposing Drugs to Fight Cancer

In Uruguay, illegality and stigma surrounding abortions resulted in problems with maternal mortality rates. Utilizing a unique solution, a medical protocol was created to provide initial information and followup care to women seeking abortions.

In Kentucky, substance abuse issues are now being addressed within the prison setting. This Kentucky prison created a comprehensive drug treatment program, including a full experiential component as well as vivitrol opportunities, to curb addiction issues.

In order to address racial disparities in breast cancer survival rates, the Chicago-based Metropolitan Breast Cancer Task Force initiated a program to provide African American women with navigators. These navigators—who are a trained peer from the community rather than a credentialed professional—provide assistance with booking appointment, accessing services, and conversation with providers as well as emotional support. After 10 years of this program, the disparity has decreased 20%.

A significant spike in opioid-related overdose deaths in Philadelphia has resulted in more people in the community carrying Naloxone, an opioid overdose reversal medication. Thanks to a standing order signed by the Pennsylvania physician general as well as a local health insurance company, obtaining the drug has been made much easier which in turn results in more lives potentially being saved.

Enrolling local agents allows global partners to connect underserved and remote communities to healthcare. A partnership between Rwanda’s Health Ministry and the Boston-based nonprofit, Partners in Health, trains community-based health workers to communicate and connect people on the ground to health services across the country. Rwanda has also implemented reforms and services such as government-subsided healthcare, which has helped improve the life expectancy of its citizens.

Depending on location and socio-economics, treating childhood cancer looks different for many families. In Washington, organizations are cognizant of this gap and are aiming to eliminate barriers for these families by increasing access to resources.

Across Pennsylvania, researchers, medical professionals, communities, and local governments are taking steps to address the opioid crisis. The epidemic that has swept across the country is being addressed at every level, including individual, family, and community. Responses include destigmatizing efforts like the Share Your Opioid Story project, school-based prevention education, drug court programming, medication assisted treatment, and training and awareness initiatives for medical professionals in urban and rural areas.

The Children Living With Cancer Foundation organizes dance parties for children with cancer, to provide them with a sense of joy, encouragement, and community during times of need. The nonprofit also organizes community events and donations and works with local pharmacies to get patients the medicines they need at subsidized rates. So far, the Foundation has supported 300 childhood cancer patients and their families.

Annie’s Place is a childcare center on the Parkland Health and Hospital System campus that provides free, drop-in childcare to Parkland patients and backup childcare for Parkland staff. Run by the nonprofit Mommies In Need, Annie’s Place makes it possible for patients to get the care they need, whether it be simple check-ups or chemotherapy, by providing an affordable, easily accessible childcare option.

The Virginia Harm Reduction Coalition (VHRC) uses harm reduction strategies to help those suffering from addiction by providing free supplies like overdose reversal spray, safe smoking kits and clean syringes, as well as connection to education and treatment options when people are ready. Those who access services through a harm reduction program are five times more likely to enter treatment programs. Last year alone, the VHRC distributed more than 20,000 doses of Narcan which they know reversed at least 2,000 overdoses.