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Mission and Vision

The Intercultural Cancer Council promotes policies, programs, partnerships, and research to eliminate the unequal burden of cancer among racial and ethnic minorities and medically underserved populations in the United States and its associated territories.

 

Our Motto: Speaking With One Voice

Patricia (Pat) Matthews-Juarez, PhD
Chair, Intercultural Cancer Council (ICC)
Meharry Medical College

In her role as chair of the ICC, she advocates for equal access of all racial/ethnic and disadvantaged groups to cancer care and other related services. She is dedicated to health equity for the medically underserved and vulnerable populations.

Dr. Matthews-Juarez firmly believes that cancer prevention and control programs, such as the ICC community-based/ regional network model, can improve health equity for all individuals and family members facing the equal burden of cancer across geographical locations. Health equity, she asserts can enhance the quality of life for everyone. She also believes there is still progress to be made in the health system following the diagnosis and treatment of cancer patients. Early diagnosis through screening can increase survival rates. Combating the stigma associated with cancer by using cultural competency tools can reduce barriers that racial/ethnic minorities and disadvantaged groups experience. Speaking with one voice is tremendously important as we work together to bring about policy transformation in cancer care.

Pamela M. Jackson, MS
Executive Director
, Intercultural Cancer Council

“The ICC is about solving national cancer issues with representation from all Americans. It cannot be defined as either an entity composed of grassroots organizations or categorized as mainstream, but as an American organization whose members are the fabric of which this nation is comprised. It is more of a fine salad than a melting pot.”

 

 

 

 

Armin D. Weinberg, PhD
Co-Founder, Intercultural Cancer Council

“The Intercultural Cancer Council’s motto ‘Speaking with One Voice’ embodies the power of uniting a diverse and representative membership to raise issues, propose solutions and, most importantly, to effect change that benefits all regardless of race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status or geography. Finding leadership from the communities where cancer health disparities exist, the ICC is committed to returning to those leaders, their organizations and their communities, the skills, resources and programs that offer solutions to our call to action.”

 

Lovell A. Jones, PhD
Co-Founder, Intercultural Cancer Council

“There is still a disproportionate cancer incidence, morbidity, and mortality among minorities, persons of low socioeconomic status in the United States, its associated territories and our Tribal Nations. Health inequities and health disparities suffered by these communities have been documented through many published reports including the tobacco crisis in America.  There is still a critical need to develop knowledge and strategies to address this crisis with the leadership and full participation of the affected communities.  The Intercultural Cancer Council will continue to provide a multicultural forum to address, discuss and demonstrate the importance and promotion of the issues of cancer and chronic diseases that impact our communities.”

 

 

ICC Tribute to Representative John Robert Lewis