Community Outreach

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Extending our reach across South Carolina

MUSC Hollings Cancer Center was founded to be a source of cancer expertise for the people of South Carolina. We take this responsibility to heart. Our community outreach efforts are focused on ensuring that the same high-quality information and resources are available to all residents, no matter where in the state you are.

Statewide Cancer Outreach

Mobile Health Unit

We’re bringing breast and cervical cancer screenings to you.

HPV Vaccination

We’re protecting youth against six types of cancer with access to HPV vaccination.

SC AMEN

We’re equipping African American men at increased risk of prostate cancer with knowledge and resources.

Smoking Cessation

We’re helping people to improve their health by quitting smoking.

Community Clinical Trials

We’re offering access to clinical trials at community partner sites.

Cancer Data Tool

We’re giving you the data to make plans to improve your community’s health.

Making an impact in your community

Training the next generation

We partner with schools around the state to offer education and training programs for students interested in pursuing a career in cancer research.

SC CHEER YES

Our SC CHEER YES program offers a chance for 15-20 high school students each year to receive intensive mentorship and lab experience in cancer research.

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SC CADRE

This partnership with South Carolina State University aims to create a future generation of researchers specially trained to improve cancer health outcomes for all South Carolinians.

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SC CHEC

Our SC CHEC program combines hands-on laboratory research training and career mentoring for students interested in biomedical research at four colleges and universities across the state.

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Our Leaders

Marvella E. Ford, Ph.D.

Associate Director, Community Outreach and Engagement

Community outreach efforts at Hollings are led by Marvella E. Ford, Ph.D. As a behavioral scientist with expertise in cancer disparities research, Ford is nationally known for developing novel and effective approaches to reducing health disparities. She oversees the development of community-based programs to effectively deliver cancer education and screening services across South Carolina.

Kalyani Sonawane, Ph.D.

Assistant Director, Data Science and Analytics

Sonawane leverages advanced data science, population health analytics, and strategic communication to strengthen collaboration between community stakeholders and Hollings. She supports Hollings’ mission by assessing cancer burden across rural and financially challenged communities, promoting bi-directional learning between researchers and community partners, and evaluating the impact of outreach and engagement initiatives.

She also directs the development of critical data infrastructure, analytic tools, and workflows that enable Hollings investigators to harness population-level data for research, program design, and strategic planning. Her work ensures that Hollings’ scientific and outreach efforts remain responsive to the evolving needs of its catchment area communities.

Eric Wallen, M.D.

Assistant Director, Community Clinical Engagement

Wallen leads Hollings initiatives to establish and strengthen community networks and organize prostate cancer screening programs, particularly in underserved areas. His commitment to men's health and his recognition of its crucial impact on families and communities will drive efforts to reduce barriers to health care access and improve health outcomes across South Carolina. Wallen's expertise and leadership significantly enhance our community clinical engagement and contribute to better health for men in underserved regions.

Collaborating with our community

Our growing Community Outreach and Engagement Office is a collaborative effort that relies on community input for success. Dr. Ford and her team meet regularly with a seven-member Community Advisory Board, a vital link between the team and the community. Board members help to guide COE’s work by advising of gaps in education and understanding, and they serve as ambassadors of the cancer center by advocating for the work happening here.