Community Outreach and Engagement

A group of people sitting in rows, with one woman raising her hand.

Addressing the burden of cancer in Oregon

The Community Outreach and Engagement (COE) team at the OHSU Knight Cancer Institute aims to identify and address priority issues related to cancer prevention, early detection and screening, and access to cancer care in Oregon and Southwest Washington through grantmaking, research and community outreach and engagement. 

Who we serve

  • ResearchersWe help scientists engage with communities and provide InReach support.
  • Community membersWe prioritize engagement with communities facing a disproportionate burden of cancer in Oregon.

Support for researchers and community members

We reach our catchment area—all 36 counties in Oregon—through the following programs:

  • Community Cancer Control SpecialistsDeliver community education and provide links to care.
  • Community grants: Fund the development of sustainable collaborations with Oregon communities to address community-identified cancer needs.
  • Events and sponsorships: Support community groups working to help cancer patients and their families, survivors, and researchers.
  • Internships: Help high school, undergraduate and graduate students gain experience in cancer research and care.
  • Scientific Research AdvocatesVolunteers who ensure research at OHSU reflects the needs and interests of the cancer community
  • The Council: Advisory committee comprised of rural, tribal and state representatives

Advancing community-engaged research

We work closely with the Oregon Clinical Translational Research Institute (OCTRI) to transform research from a scientist–subject interaction into a collaboration. Together, our programs form OHSU’s Community, Outreach, Research and Engagement team.