CommUnity Action
Each Unity South Central Region board member will be writing about what they are doing in their community. Rev. Karen Saunders, secretary and nominating committee, starts our series.
Rev. Karen Saunders
USCR Board Member Rev. Karen Saunders of Christ-Love Unity Church in Omaha, NE, and several members of her congregation are volunteering with the non-profit organization One Stop Cancer Shop (One Stop). One Stop was formed in 2024 to provide access to testing, treatment and financial need for treatment of breast, lung, colorectal, and prostate cancer.
The organization was established because it was found that many residents in the near north side and south Omaha were dying of cancer at a higher rate due to late diagnosis of various cancers. The reason for the late diagnosis was for medical mistrust, lack of insurance, and access to treatment. In September 2024 One Stop held its first event in North Omaha and the second event was held in October in South Omaha. At both events 138 people were served—82% had either never been screened or were overdue for cancer screenings, 53.2% had income below 200% of the federal poverty level (FPL), and 63% had Medicaid or no insurance.
These events were held in collaboration with the University of Nebraska Nursing School, University of Nebraska Medical Center, the Fred and Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, Nebraska Urban Indian Center, and area churches. With this collaboration, One Stop was able to provide cancer screenings and blood pressure/blood sugar checks, as well assist people in accessing medical treatment and applying for medical care. The tests were provided with no out-of-pocket cost for the client.
As a result of the events last year there was one client found to have stage 4 lung cancer and received immediate treatment. He is now in remission and doing well, which he may not have been were he diagnosed too late to have a positive outcome. One Stop is again hosting events and adding two additional cancer screenings, skin and throat cancer. The first event was held on September 27 and the second event will be held on November 1, 2025.
