Answering the Call

Doing Our Part

NMQF is passionate about bringing evidence-informed and evidence-based solutions to the communities who have been historically excluded from living their healthiest lives.

In January 2026, the National Minority Quality Forum’s Cancer Stage Shifting Initiative (CSSI) is launching a new Community Health Biobank program in Flint to support earlier cancer detection and stronger long-term community health. This program will partner with local residents and trusted community leaders to expand access to prevention-focused resources, collect community-informed health data, and help ensure Flint families are included in the research and strategies shaping the future of cancer care.

Flint Vaccine Workshop

NMQF is including a vaccine workshop at the Flint Cancer Community Townhall because cancer prevention and early detection do not happen in isolation—especially in communities that have lived through years of environmental exposure and health system neglect.

In Flint, many families are carrying a higher burden of chronic illness, cancer concerns, and unmet healthcare needs. That makes prevention tools like vaccines even more important. Vaccines help protect the body from infections that can cause cancer or lead to serious complications, particularly for people who already face higher risk due to underlying health conditions or limited access to consistent care. This workshop is designed to give Flint residents clear, trustworthy information about vaccines, answer questions in a respectful space, and help participants understand what protections may be recommended across the lifespan. It will also cover how to navigate common barriers—such as cost, insurance, and where to go locally—so that families can make informed health decisions and take action. By offering this vaccine workshop alongside cancer education and screenings, NMQF is taking a whole-person approach to prevention—helping Flint families access information and resources that support earlier care, stronger immune protection, and better long-term health outcomes.

Stage 01

NMQF conducted a listening session on December 6, 2022 with community members to determine their top public health priorities, if cancer risk is on their radar, and how NMQF can best engage in a community-led partnership. Community members were candid in their need for access to nutrient-dense foods, overall health outcome improvements, and sustainable programs.

Stage 02

NMQF partnered with the Flint Community Cancer Consortium to convene local and national experts to determine a path forward for the investigation of a Flint, cancer cluster. The White House will also provide updated guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) that will detail how cancer clusters are determined.

Stage 03

On Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service (January 16, 2023), NMQF hosted a Flint Community Cancer Screening & Health Fair that provided support to the people of Flint. Activities included cancer screenings, mental health checks, vaccinations, entertainment and more. This event helped bring a national spotlight to the city of Flint and the ongoing disparities the city faces almost 10 years after the water crisis.

Stage 04

NMQF will work with its Center for Sustainable Health Care Quality and Equity to build robust programming that seeks to engage community members and clinicians in improving oncology health outcomes. The program will seek to institute sustained initiatives that bolster the resilience and health of the community writ large.