In tribal communities in Washington, women are diagnosed with cervical cancer at twice the rate of non-Native women, Halverson said. Using OCHIN’s tools, the health center identified 700 community members who had not been screened. That data allowed them to act, she said.

The initiative began as part of Cancer Prevention Awareness Month, led by Lummi Nation’s public health department, and evolved into a coordinated campaign involving their entire primary care team. Using OCHIN’s Epic electronic health record system, they identified patients who needed care and coordinated outreach to set up appointments. Providers opened their schedules, and trusted staff helped patients feel safe and supported—especially those who had experienced trauma.

Halverson shared the story of one patient who had avoided wellness visits due to past trauma. With support from staff, medical assistants and trusted nurses, she finally came in for a screening.

“She later contacted the team to let them know how great it was to be seen, and that she otherwise would have never come in for a visit like that because it was too uncomfortable,” Halverson said. “So, working with our community to help identify those needs, to help move them forward and to hopefully prevent future deaths from cervical cancer is really what this project was about.”