REsearch for Cancer Health And ReGional Equity (RECHARGE)

Why we do this research

We are driven by a commitment to improving cancer health equity across Oregon. Many communities in our state, including those in rural and frontier areas, face higher cancer burdens, fewer opportunities for prevention and early detection, and more barriers to accessing needed care and support.

In this first phase of the project, we are conducting a community assessment in select geographic regions in Oregon. The purpose is to learn about community priorities, assets, and needs for cancer prevention, early detection, care, and support.

We are conducting interviews with a diverse range of Oregonians, including health care providers, people with lived experience as cancer survivors or caregivers, service providers, public health practitioners, care coordinators, community health workers, and others.

Our results will be shared widely and can help inform future research and strategies to address community-identified priorities.

Highlights

Community engagement

We listen to community members to understand their communities’ strengths and challenges and to co-develop solutions. By centering these voices, we aim to create sustainable, community-informed strategies that  meaningfully improve cancer health outcomes.

We will share results of our community assessment widely and ensure a central role for community voices and priorities through a Community Advisory Board.

Access

Much of this work is being conducted remotely, to increase our capacity to reach individuals across the state.

Study timeline

The project started in Summer of 2025. We will continue to gather data through 2025, followed by sharing results and developing a plan for next steps in 2026.

Funding

This study was sponsored by the Oregon State University, Office for Research Advancement (Valley Fellowship).

Research team

Principal Investigator

• Jessica Gorman, PhD, MPH, Oregon State University

Interview team members

• Steph Corey, MPH, Oregon State University
• Cassie Sanchez Soriano, Oregon State University
• Jonathan Wakefield, Oregon State University

Community Advisory Board members and community partners in Oregon.