Tampa General Hospital partners with purpose on behalf of our cancer patients and their loved ones. This means taking the time to study the communities where we live and work, as well as collaborating with local government, schools, neighboring health systems, state agencies, nonprofits and community groups to understand the needs of our unique and diverse patient populations, including rural and underserved communities. Our goal is to listen first, and then act together, with outreach built on a shared purpose.
Community partnerships make it possible for Tampa General to reach more people throughout Florida, deliver more impactful programs, and improve health outcomes. Tampa General’s mission links itself to the fabric of the community: We heal. We teach. We innovate. Care for everyone. Every day.
Aligning with our community impact pillars, the Tampa General Cancer Institute invests resources in programs that create sustainable, measurable improvements in the region:
- Promoting health and well-being
- Collaborative community building that focuses on social determinants of health and workforce initiatives
- Supporting the needs of diverse populations
- Ensuring all families thrive by addressing health disparities
Our operating principles in engaging with our communities include:
- Develop a shared vision and values with community partners
- Commit to an environment of mutual trust and respect
- Communicate often and with transparency
- Commit to assessment and programming to meet community needs
- Disseminate contemporary resources and information equitably across cancer control topics widely
- Support the needs of Cancer Institute members across research, practice, and training for community-engaged projects
Community Impact & Access to Care
In fiscal year 2024, Tampa General Hospital reported a $308.1 million community benefit, including charity care, subsidized health services, financial and in-kind contributions to local charities, health professions education and community health improvement.
We demonstrate our commitment to addressing the alarming health disparities and economic inequalities that disproportionally affect rural and underserved communities in Florida, often manifesting in a higher cancer burden, less access to care and worse clinical outcomes. We do this by listening and working together with our extended primary care network located in rural areas.
As a result, the Tampa General team is well-poised to address many of the problems that are unique to these populations and to help accelerate progress against cancer in rural Florida.
This manifests in a variety of ways, from support groups to community events to health screenings. Whether it is our active membership in USF’s Southwest Florida Cancer Control Collaborative (SWFCCC) or the grants we’ve received from organizations like the American Cancer Society, NFL’s Crucial Catch, Cancer Innovation Fund Florida, National Institutes of Health and TD Bank, Tampa General is continually working to remove barriers and expand access to care.
Academic Partnership
Our long-time partnership with USF Health addresses social determinants of health through a variety of targeted initiatives, with a primary focus on improving access to world-class care, removing financial barriers and leveraging groundbreaking technology. Signature programs like our Rural Cancer Control Plan, which targets disparities in underserved rural communities and our SPARK Pilot Grant Program, which funds collaborative cancer research between TGH and USF, and are just two examples of exemplifies how we work to meet people where they are.
Social determinants of health (SDOH) are non-medical factors that can profoundly influence a person’s health, well-being and quality of life. Some examples of these include access to education or healthcare, economic stability, or the community where one lives. Tampa General Hospital addresses SDOH through its TampaWell initiative and by focusing on behavioral health, food security, and housing stability in the community. TGH partners with the City of Tampa and other organizations to provide comprehensive health and wellness services.
Community & Patient Support
Rural Health Care
We also utilize telehealth to offer consultations and follow-up care remotely, removing time, cost, and logistical burdens for patients in rural areas.
We remove barriers with programs that include patient navigators and support services. These team members assist both patients and survivors in gaining access to financial assistance programs and navigating the complexities of insurance and medical bills. We also advocate for policy changes to minimize out-of-pocket costs for cancer treatments and screenings, with a goal of addressing systemic financial barriers.
Partnerships
In addition, we partner with local organizations like the YMCA and Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) to offer survivorship programs and other support services outside of the hospital setting, so they are more accessible for our patient population. Our regular summits with healthcare providers, researchers, and community members are designed to develop strategies that address specific local challenges, ensuring that interventions are relevant to the community's needs.
Community Education and Events
We work with USF Health to educate communities on the importance of cancer prevention, screening, and early detection, building awareness and trust, particularly regarding issues like tobacco cessation in high-risk populations. Our clinicians collaborate closely with the Mo Bull Nurse Medical Clinic run by the USF College of Nursing to provide cancer screenings, education, and navigation to diagnostic and other advanced health care service services. Tampa General and USF Health also participate in “care mapping,” which is the practice of linking individuals to the next level of care needed, helping to guide them through the health care system.
Upcoming Events
We participate in or sponsor a variety of local health and wellness initiatives focused on cancer awareness and prevention.
To find more information on upcoming events that the community can participate in, view our oncology events calendar.
Health Screenings
The Tampa General Hospital Cancer Institute conducts regular health screenings throughout the community, many of which provide same-day results, making early detection easier and more accessible.
Some examples include:
- Lung Cancer Screening: We have a dedicated program that offers low-dose CT scans for eligible individuals (typically adults aged 50-80 with a history of smoking) to detect lung cancer at an early, more treatable stage.
- Colorectal Cancer Screening: We provide Fecal Immunochemical Tests (F.I.T.) as part of our community outreach for early detection of colorectal cancer.
- Gynecologic Cancer Screening: We promote awareness and provide access to routine screening tests for gynecologic cancers, including pelvic exams, Pap smears, and HPV tests.
- HPV Awareness and Vaccination: We also host awareness campaigns and provide information on the importance of the HPV vaccination as a preventative measure against certain cancers.
- Breast Cancer Screening: TGH Imaging is an accredited Breast Imaging Center of Excellence, offering advanced services like digital mammography (including 3D mammography), breast ultrasound, and breast MRI in various outpatient centers.
- General Health Fairs: We participate in and host health fairs that offer general health screenings and information on cancer prevention.
Learn more about our screening events and prevention initiatives.
Cancer Support Groups
Tampa General provides a supportive and welcoming space for people impacted by a variety of cancer types. Find out more about our support groups and services.