A U.S. Department of Health and Human Services earmark of just under $300,000 obtained with help from U.S. Rep. Anne Northup (R-Ky.) will allow U of L to work with partners throughout the Louisville Metro community to prepare specialists in cancer nursing and to support cancer nursing research.

The center will:

• Coordinate a community-wide program to enhance cancer nursing curricula in five nursing schools (U of L, Bellarmine University, Spalding University, Jefferson Community College and Indiana University Southeast)

• Establish a master of science in nursing oncology program at U of L

• Identify educational needs of registered nurses in the community who are working in cancer care (James Graham Brown Cancer Center, Jewish Hospital, Norton Hospital and Baptist Hospital East)

• Develop a cancer nursing research agenda for the Louisville Metro area that promotes evidence-based practice and supports cancer nursing research.

“Cancer is a significant health problem for Kentucky and the greater Louisville area,” said Mary Mundt, dean of U of L’s School of Nursing. “This program will educate nurses who specialize in this area so they can help prevent, screen and care for cancer patients and their families.”

Northup was instrumental in guiding through Congress the legislation providing for the center.

            “I am pleased that Kentuckians can benefit from this important project,” Northup said. “Now work can begin to make the much‑needed cancer center a reality, so that nurses who treat individuals and families with cancer are equipped with the cutting‑edge information and tools they need to battle this devastating disease.”

Creation of the center is pending approval by U of L’s Board of Trustees.