NEWS & RESEARCH

In August 2016, the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) reported the 2015 Uniform Data System (UDS) colorectal cancer screening rates for the nation’s federally qualified health centers (FQHCs), also called community health centers. The NCCRT recognized the exceptional work taking place within FQHCs, applauding the staff and providers for their tremendous contributions day in and day out. Further, NCCRT commended HRSA and the National Association for Community Health Centers (NACHC) for championing 80% by 2018 among their partners.

While we know you are eagerly awaiting the new 2016 UDS data for colorectal cancer screening rates at FQHCs, we thought you might enjoy this state by state resource that maps 2015 colorectal cancer screening rates, which are still the most current UDS data we have.

As we review the map, we certainly want to highlight some outstanding rates, such as Maine (60.5%), Vermont (59.6%), Puerta Rico (55.6%), and New Hampshire (54.5%), but we also want to still remember the significant increases made nationwide in 2015. With the screening rate jumping nearly 4 points to 38.3%, an additional 279,990 FQHC patients were screened for colorectal cancer in 2015 as compared to 2014. The NCCRT will continue to emphasize the potential impact that FQHCs can make on improving screening rates and reducing CRC morbidity and mortality rates in racially and ethnically diverse, socioeconomically challenged communities across the country.

Visit the HRSA website to learn more about the UDS measure and to find the UDS screening rate for FQHCs in your state. The 2016 UDS colorectal cancer screening rates are expected in August.