Richmond University Medical Center (RUMC) has received a $25,000 grant from the Harry S. Black & Allon Fuller Fund to address colorectal cancer rates on Staten Island. The funding will allow the hospital to expand its educational outreach and provide no-cost colonoscopies to underserved populations.
“We are extremely pleased and grateful to the Harry S. Black & Allon Fuller Fund. As a safety-net hospital we are proud to serve the most vulnerable patients in the community,” said Victoria Forte, MD, Chief of the Division of Hematology/Oncology at RUMC. “This grant will increase our colonoscopy screenings thereby detecting cancers early and even preventing colon cancers. As Benjamin Franklin said, ‘An ounce of prevention is worth and pound of cure.’”
The hospital plans to use the funds to improve screening rates among low-income and uninsured residents, with an emphasis on early detection and reducing disparities in cancer outcomes. In several communities served by RUMC, screening rates fall below national targets, which contributes to higher numbers of late-stage diagnoses.
Eligible individuals will receive two physician visits—one before and one after the procedure—the colonoscopy itself, pathology analysis for any collected specimens, as well as support services such as help with scheduling, transportation, preparation instructions, and follow-up care.
Educational sessions about colon cancer prevention and early detection will also be offered through local partnerships with community groups and faith-based organizations. Materials will be available in both English and Spanish to meet diverse cultural needs.
“We are absolutely thrilled to have been awarded this grant. It will go a long way to providing colon cancer screening in our underserved community members. Between raising awareness with our educational sessions and providing high quality care with colonoscopies, we hope to drastically cut down on this easily preventable cancer in our close-knit community,” said Vahe Shahnazarian, MD, MPH, FACP, a board-certified gastroenterologist at RUMC.
Staten Island has New York City’s highest rate of colorectal cancer cases according to recent data from the New York State Cancer Registry: 41.4 cases per 100,000 people between 2018-2022—a rate higher than Brooklyn (35.5), the Bronx (34.7), Queens (34.3), or Manhattan (30.1).
“Colon cancer remains a leading cause of cancer-related death, yet it is one of the most preventable with timely screening and early detection,” said Daniel J. Messina, PhD, FACHE, MPA President and CEO of RUMC. “Despite this, significant disparities persist, particularly among low-income, uninsured, and underinsured populations who face barriers such as lack of access to affordable screening, limited awareness, and challenges navigating the healthcare system. Our hospital plays a critical and unique role in addressing these disparities. Through our deep-rooted partnerships with community-based organizations and trusted local leaders we are able to engage these hard-to-reach populations effectively. Our bilingual staff and culturally tailored outreach initiatives also ensure that our services are accessible and responsive to the diverse needs of the community.”
RUMC has provided oncology services for many years through free health screenings as well as its Colon Health Initiative—an effort funded by New York City Council that offers no-cost or low-cost screenings along with education programs for those facing financial or logistical barriers.
The Harry S. Black & Allon Fuller Fund was created in 1930 to support health care programming for underserved groups.
For more information about Richmond University Medical Center’s services visit www.rumcsi.org.
