Gundersen Boscobel Area Hospital and Clinic’s Community Health Needs Assessment revealed concerning trends: low screening rates for both breast and colorectal cancers, paired with high incidences of these cancers in the region. In response, Gundersen Boscobel explored non-traditional ways to reach those who might otherwise go unscreened. During Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October, we teamed up with popular local businesses—Timber Lane Coffee and The Energy Hut—to raise awareness about the importance of screening mammograms. Coffee cups were fitted with co-branded pink coffee sleeves and Lit Teas featured co-branded pink stickers. Both featured catchy messages that reinforced the significance of timely screenings and early detection. The initiative was wildly successful; boosting the number of calls for screening mammograms during the month of October and the months that followed; together reinforcing the message that early detection saves lives.
 
Building on this concept, Gundersen Boscobel expanded community awareness efforts during Colon Cancer Awareness Month in March. This time, we collaborated with eight local establishments to distribute cocktail napkins with imprinted colon cancer awareness messages. The goal was to spark conversation in unlikely places and serve as a reminder for individuals to schedule their screening colonoscopies, particularly targeting a demographic that traditional PSAs may not reach.
 
“The napkins were a hit and a fun way to spread the word about the importance of having your screening colonoscopy” says Brenda Kreul, RN, Manager of Surgery and Outreach Services. “We realize people don’t get excited to have their colonoscopy, but it’s important to talk about colon cancer and the benefits of getting screened. The napkins were an easy way to get the conversation started, which led to people having open and honest discussions about early detection and the procedure itself (which turns out isn’t that bad!).”