Since its launch in May 2025, UVM Cancer Center’s Community Outreach and Education (COE) van — funded entirely by philanthropy — has brought cancer screening, prevention and education services to rural residents throughout Vermont and northern New York. This mobile resource quickly actualized its intended purpose: to deliver vital services, overcome barriers to care, address health disparities and put cancer research innovations into action.

But amid skin checks for early melanoma, conversations around cancer screening recommendations, and distribution of sun safety materials, something rich and unexpected unfolded. In the privacy of the van, parked on familiar turf — their local fairgrounds, food shelf or community center — patients opened up about their health struggles. They talked about what they need and what their families need. They talked about what they’re afraid of.

Their sense of isolation and the myriad obstacles they face — from not knowing where to turn with health-related questions to not having resources to access help — clarified the startling distance between what many of our rural neighbors have and what they need. Entire communities exist outside the labyrinth of guidance and services that many of us take for granted.

A feedback loop formed, and the project leapt forward. The COE team brought cancer care to rural communities in need and brought what they learned back to UVM Cancer Center partners and researchers who are actively working to better support those communities.

Without philanthropy, this initiative would not be operational, much less a growing engine of quality, sustainability and trust. Donors have made it possible to envision a rural outreach program that includes HPV vaccinations, at-home screening tests for high-risk cancers, nicotine replacement therapy support, genetic testing and more. With additional charitable investments, the COE team can expand their reach, broaden their offerings, and step closer to sustaining these free services in perpetuity.

To help advance this important work, contact Lindsay Longe, Lindsay.Longe@uvmhealth.org, 802-598-3422 (mobile).