title: Proactive screening for health needs in United Way's 2-1-1 information and referral service.
abstract: Cancer disproportionately affects the underserved. United Way 2-1-1 is an information and referral system that links underserved populations to community services. This study explores the feasibility of integrating proactive screening and referral to health services into 2-1-1. A cancer risk assessment was administered to callers (n=297), measuring their need for six cancer control services. A subset of respondents was randomized to receive generic or tailored referrals to needed services. Nearly all participants (85%) needed at least one of the services. Those who received tailored referrals were more likely to make appointments. Future research will explore approaches to address and eliminate health disparities through 2-1-1.
authors.affiliation: Health Communication Research Laboratory and Center for Cultural Cancer Communication, George Warren Brown School of Social Work, Washington University in St. Louis, keddens@gwbmail.wustl.edu , Kay Archer, United Way 2-1-1 Missouri.
authors.forename: Katherine S
authors.initials: KS
authors.lastname: Eddens
authors.forename: Matthew W
authors.initials: MW
authors.lastname: Kreuter