In 1998, the Center for Disease Control (CDC) established the National Comprehensive Cancer Control Program (NCCCP), which provided seed money and technical support for the development and implementation of CCC plans. Today, the CDC funds CCC programs in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, seven tribes and tribal organizations, and seven U.S. territories.
In 2001, the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) began receiving funds from the CDC to develop a comprehensive cancer control program and write a state cancer plan. This area of DHHS came to be known as the Nebraska Comprehensive Cancer Control Program (NECCCP). One of the primary responsibilities of the program was to implement the state plan by forming partnerships with the cancer community of healthcare professionals, survivors, individuals and organizations. NECCCP had it first partner meeting in August 2002. By January 2004, the partnership had grown to nearly 130 persons representing 100 groups and organizations across Nebraska.
In 2010, the partnership entity of NECCCP became a 501(c)3 non-profit program known as the Nebraska Cancer Coalition (NC2). Since adopting this model, NC2 has grown to a statewide partnership of more than 350 individuals representing 200 public and private organizations. Together, NECCCP, NC2 and our partners have written and revised the state cancer plan and implemented many programs aimed at accomplishing the plan’s goals. By working together and coordinating resources, we have and will continue to reduce the burden of cancer among Nebraska residents.
But our work is only as successful as the strength or our partnerships. Whether you are health care professional, academic, survivor, student or otherwise, all those with an interest lessening the burden cancer has on those in our state are welcome to become partners of NC2.