Last Updated: October 2023

Author: Comprehensive Cancer Control Program, Vermont Department of Health

The Comprehensive Cancer Control (CCC) program supports activities in which communities and partner organizations pool resources to reduce the burden of cancer. Cancer Coalitions, such as Vermont's statewide coalition, Vermonters Taking Action Against Cancer (VTAAC), use data to determine the greatest cancer-related needs in their area, and develop and carry out cancer plans to meet those needs. In order to build effective partnerships that impact cancer across the continuum it is important for cancer coalitions to include partners from different disciplines and regions, and to represent disparate populations.  

Many partner organizations participate in VTAAC.  Although membership is spread across much of Vermont, fewer member organizations are located in the southern and northeastern regions of the state. VTAAC also lacks adequate representation from primary care and the business community. Due to funding constraints, VTAAC members are not provided with a stipend or other reimbursement. In addition, many of the VTAAC meetings are held during the normal work day. These factors affect the level of participation by some partner organizations, especially those who cannot easily justify staff time and participation in the coalition. VTAAC carries out efforts to make meetings more accessible by offering participation via teleconference and adjusting meeting times to be more convenient for hard to reach members. In addition, VTAAC members can participate in a variety of workgroups and taskforces that address several different issues along the cancer continuum.  Communication to the membership is also carried out regularly via email, a quarterly newsletter and through the VTAAC website.

The Comprehensive Cancer Control (CCC) program supports activities in which communities and partner organizations pool resources to reduce the burden of cancer. Cancer Coalitions, such as Vermont's statewide coalition, Vermonters Taking Action Against Cancer (VTAAC), use data to determine the greatest cancer-related needs in their area, and develop and carry out cancer plans to meet those needs. In order to build effective partnerships that impact cancer across the continuum it is important for cancer coalitions to include partners from different disciplines and regions, and to represent disparate populations.  

Vermonters Taking Action Against Cancer (VTAAC)

Vermont Department of Health Offices of Local Health

American Cancer Society

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Bi-State Primary Care Association

University of Vermont Cancer Center

American Lung Association

Vermont Cancer Support Network

Strategies that are effective in improving coalition membership include carrying out targeted recruitment for better regional, primary care, and business representation; clearly educating potential members about the benefits and time commitments of coalition membership; holding meetings at times and locations that are convenient for most members; and trying to ensure meetings are more accessible by offering virtual meeting options. These strategies, among others employed by VTAAC to improve the coalition’s reach, are supported by the “9 Habits for Successful Comprehensive Cancer Control Coalitions” framework laid out by the Comprehensive Cancer Control National Partnership.

The VDH Comprehensive Cancer Control Program and VTAAC will do the following to address VTAAC sector representation:

• Facilitate a 2023 Membership survey to assess current membership composition, activity level and satisfaction.
• Hold a VTAAC Annual Meeting in Fall 2023 to recruit and engage a broader scope of Members.  
• Continue to recruit members year-round through the VTAAC website and by promoting VTAAC and the Vermont Cancer Plan at other statewide and regional events.
• Review and assess the VTAAC membership database on a annual basis to evaluate membership trends.