The EPA Region 5 Prescription for Radon Medical Forum was held last month in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Despite limited attendance by the medical community, the event offered many positive outcomes. Primarily, the event gave Midwestern radon stakeholders a chance to strengthen partnerships and build new relationships. Attendance was just under 50 people and groups represented included the medical community (primarily cancer nurses and physician's assistants), the radon industry, local and state health departments, a local fire department and several nonprofit organizations.
The program, which included nationally recognized radon leaders, such as Rich Guimond and Bill Field, and local leaders in the medical community, was very well received by the audience. The combination of national experts, local cancer research leaders, lung cancer survivors, and patient educators made the entire day informative, meaningful and action oriented. A special thank you must go out once again to Barb Sorgatz, Barb Neitge and MJ McKeon. They are the reason why we do this work.
The welcome speech was given by a Minnesota Department of Health Assistant Commissioner, who, as a result of the forum, made contact with the cancer control section of the department asking that radon be included in the next five year cancer prevention plan for Minnesota. The radon program anticipates this inclusion will significantly strengthen the program and achieve notable risk reduction over the next five years through a comprehensive, statewide approach.
Several prominent members of the Minnesota medical community discussed the most effective ways to engage medical professionals on the subject of radon. They thought items such as radon integration with educational curricula and including radon discussion in existing events (rather than new, radon specific events) may be the most effective ways to reach out to the medical community, particularly physicians.
Overall, the event was a success and helped strengthen our network of radon stakeholders developing in Minnesota and Region 5. Thanks again to all who were involved.
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