The Valley Hospital recently received the SCOPY — “Staying Strong & Scoping On” — Award from the American College of Gastroenterology.
ACG’s SCOPY recognizes the achievements of ACG members in their community engagement, education and awareness efforts for colorectal cancer prevention. ACG members submit examples of projects and programs to be considered for the award.
Throughout February and March, Ridgewood-based Valley held several events to promote awareness of colorectal cancer. This included events held at public libraries, the Paramus Park mall, distribution of free Fecal Immunochemical Test kits to churches in its community, lectures, videos and more.
Valley placed a high focus on promoting awareness of colorectal cancer and its prevention to Black members of the community, especially given that they are at a higher risk of developing colorectal cancer as compared to other races. These awareness events were submitted to ACG for consideration.
“We are honored to have received this award for all we do to communicate the importance of colorectal cancer screening and prevention, including messaging for our Fast-Track Screening Colonoscopy program,” Dr. Haleh Pazwash, Subspecialty Department director of gastroenterology for the Valley Hospital, said.
The Fast-Track Screening Colonoscopy program at the Valley Hospital was established for patients who were not willing to have a colonoscopy because they had to schedule an additional appointment with a gastroenterologist or colorectal surgeon before having the procedure.
As a result of the Valley Hospital’s Fast-Track Screening Colonoscopy program, eligible patients can forego the initial consultation. Patients are screened over the phone by an advanced practice provider to ensure they are eligible for the program. If deemed eligible, the APP matches the patients up with a physician based on an insurance match, availability and the patient’s personal preference. Since its inception in 2018, the Fast-Track Screening Colonoscopy program has proudly screened more than 1,100 patients.
“Valley Health System looks forward to continuing to educate the community about the importance of colorectal cancer screening and prevention,” Dr. Sita Chokhavatia, gastroenterologist, said.
