FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT:
Janis Rannow, 651-255-8137; Janis.Rannow@cancer.org
Lou Harvin, 651-255-8153; Lou.Harvin@cancer.org
Mary Lawson, 612-624-6165; mlawson@umn.edu

MENDOTA HEIGHTS, MINN. – JUNE 18, 2007 – University of Minnesota physician and researcher Michele Allen, M.D., has received a $195,000 American Cancer Society grant for a three-year pilot study to help immigrant Latino parents prevent their adolescent children from beginning tobacco and other substance use, as well as to promote positive parenting practices.

A family medicine physician, Allen is a member of the University’s Program on Health Disparities Research and the Cancer Center. She will partner on this study with Aqui Para Ti (Here for You), a clinic-based youth development program at Hennepin Family Care East Lake Clinic; the University of Minnesota Extension Service; and a community advisory board composed of parents of Latino adolescents and leaders from schools, health care and neighborhood organizations.

"Immigrant Latinos typically have strong families. Our immediate goal will be to provide support for Latino parents to use the strengths of their family values to navigate the new culture of living in the Twin Cities," Allen said. "Our long-term goal will be to reduce the incidence of future cancer by preventing the use of tobacco and other substances. Tobacco is the leading cause of preventable death in Minnesota and is linked to several cancers."

The study will include two components: To create an educational program that supports Latino parents in preventing tobacco and other substance use by their adolescent children, and developing a network for immigrant parents to receive support and reinforcement of the parenting practices learned in the education program. Latino parents will help design and lead this section of the program.

"At a time when we are celebrating survivorship, remembering loved ones and supporting the newly diagnosed at Relay For Life events throughout Minnesota, we’re very pleased that the funds that are being raised are directly impacting the fight against cancer," said American Cancer Society Minnesota Vice President Maribeth Swenty Woodford. "By supporting research, advocacy, education and programs and support, we can together eliminate cancer as a major health problem in our lifetime. We commend Dr. Allen for taking steps to help us reach that goal."

Approximately 50 parents will participate in this study. They will attend six to eight weekly education sessions, followed by ongoing participation in the support group. Parents enrolled in the study and their adolescent children will then be followed to determine the effectiveness of the education and support programs.