Roswell Park Center for Indigenous Cancer Research To Host Virtual Fireside Chat

BUFFALO, N.Y. — As the world continues to grapple with the COVID-19 pandemic, the Center for Indigenous Cancer Research (CICR) at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center is hosting a virtual conversation as it relates to cancer care and coronavirus within Indigenous communities.

On Friday, April 3 from 6-7:30 p.m. EDT, join Rodney Haring, PhD, MSW, Director of the CICR, in a virtual fireside Zoom chat alongside a handful of cancer experts and practitioners from Indigenous groups across the nation and worldwide. The goal is to communicate, strategize, and work together on the unique concerns that surround tribes and Indigenous nations as they cope with COVID-19.

Moderated by Akwesasne TV Executive Producer/Director Regan Jacobs (Kahnawake Mohawk) and Malia Villegas, Ed. D. (Afognak – Alaska), the live chat will feature participation from a distinguished panel:

• Evan Adams, MD, Chief Medical Officer, First Nations Heath Authority (Tla’amin First Nation – Canada)
• Amanda Bruegl, MD, Gynecologic Oncologist, Oregon Health & Science University (Oneida/Stockbridge-Munsee)
• Patrick Linson, MD, Radiation Oncologist, Scripps MD Anderson Cancer Center (Taos Pueblo Nation)
• David Mattson, Jr., MD, Radiation Oncologist, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center (Native Hawaiian)
• Dorothy Rhoades, MD, MPH, Director of American Indian Cancer Research Initiatives, Stephenson Cancer Center (Kiowa – Oklahoma)
• Kris Rhodes, MPH, CEO, American Indian Cancer Foundation (Anishinaabe, Fond du Lac and Bad River Band)
• Nina Scott, PhD, Cancer Researcher, Clinical Director of Māori Public Health at Waikato DHB (Māori – New Zealand)

“When a health crisis like what we are seeing with the Coronavirus starts affecting people on a national and international level, a lot of the support resources from prevention, to treatment, and survivorship are not Indigenized,” said Dr. Haring.  “There hasn’t been an international forum bringing together these Indigenous experts to share knowledge around cancer and COVID-19, and we hope to provide insight to anyone who comes to join us for this discussion.”

Roswell Park announced the creation of the CICR in early February. The first initiative of its kind in the Northeast, the center works with partners across North America to address health disparities and impacts on wellness in Indigenous communities in Western New York, nationally, and internationally. 

For more information, go to https://www.roswellpark.org/cicrwebinars.

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Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center is a community united by the drive to eliminate cancer’s grip on humanity by unlocking its secrets through personalized approaches and unleashing the healing power of hope. Founded by Dr. Roswell Park in 1898, it is the only National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer center in Upstate New York. Learn more at www.roswellpark.org, or contact us at 1-800-ROSWELL (1-800-767-9355) or ASKRoswell@RoswellPark.org.