Catalyst in Kentucky
2021-2022 Catalyst Grantee
In 2021, Kentucky became the first state to adopt a pharmacy protocol that allows pharmacists to produce colorectal cancer education, and when appropriate, initiative non-invasive colorectal cancer screening. This means some patients could be taking care of their colorectal cancer screening at their local CVS, Walgreens, or independent pharmacy—the same place they go for a flu shot or regular prescriptions.
Catalyst grantees in Kentucky also successfully worked to codify access to colorectal cancer screening and genetic testing in Kentucky’s Medicaid program.
Colorectal Cancer Screening in Kentucky
*Overall Percentage of Adults Who Are Up to Date with Colorectal Cancer Screening
Kentucky Grantees
The Colon Cancer Prevention Project is a non-profit 501(c)3 based in Kentucky that works to eliminate preventable colon cancer by increasing screening rates through education, advocacy, health systems improvement, and survivor support. They are working for a world without colon cancer.
Kentucky Colorectal Cancer Screening Coverage
Kentucky state law requires health plans to cover all colorectal cancer screening tests specified in the most recent version of the American Cancer Society guidelines without cost sharing for patients. Individuals covered by this policy includes those 45 and older as well as those less than 45 years of age and at high risk for colorectal cancer.
Kentucky is the 4th deadliest state for colorectal cancer in the U.S.
Relentless Champions in Kentucky
Amanda Smart, MPH
Executive Director, Colon Cancer Prevention Project
Jason Baird
Founder, the Limestone Group
Whitney Jones, MD
Founder, Colon Cancer Prevention Project
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