4 hours ago
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Special to the Times
As lung cancer continues to claim more lives than any other cancer in the United States, community leaders, nationally recognized physicians, researchers and patient advocates are coming together in Birmingham to help change that reality.
HEAL Collaborative, in partnership with Antioch Missionary Baptist Church and the biotechnology company Amgen, will host Lung Cancer Screening to Treatment 2.0: A Community Conversation on Lung Cancer on Saturday, July 18, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at The Purpose Center at Dannon, 2324 5th Avenue North, Birmingham.
The free public event is designed to empower attendees with the knowledge and resources needed to reduce lung cancer disparities through education, early detection, timely treatment and equitable access to care. Residents living with lung cancer, caregivers, veterans, healthcare professionals, faith leaders, and community members are encouraged to attend.
“Far too many lives are lost because lung cancer is diagnosed too late,” said Howard Mosby, Chief Operating Officer of HEAL Collaborative. “This community conversation is about bringing trusted experts and lived experiences together to help people understand their risk, navigate available resources, and ultimately save lives.”
HEAL Collaborative is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing health equity by improving health outcomes in underserved communities through education, strategic partnerships, research, and community engagement. Working alongside healthcare systems, faith‑based organizations, academic institutions, and community leaders, HEAL Collaborative develops innovative programs that increase access to prevention, screening, treatment, and quality care for all.
Rev. Joseph Bryant, who will help lead the community dialogue, emphasized the importance of real‑life testimony in breaking through fear and misinformation. “You can talk about clinical facts all day, but nothing reaches people like hearing from those who’ve actually lived through cancer and found a way to overcome it,” he said. “Seeing real people who’ve been touched by cancer and are still living their lives to the fullest is the strongest message we can give the community.”
More Than a Health Seminar
The event blends expert medical education with personal stories from patients and caregivers, creating a rare opportunity for meaningful dialogue between the community and healthcare leaders.
Featured discussions include:
- A fireside conversation featuring a lung cancer survivor and caregiver
- The importance of early lung cancer screening and early detection
- The latest advances in lung cancer treatment and precision medicine
- How artificial intelligence is transforming lung cancer diagnosis and care
- Lung health challenges facing veterans
- Mental health and emotional wellness throughout the cancer journey
- Financial literacy and navigating the costs of cancer care
Rev. Bryant noted that caregivers also need support and recognition. “My part in this journey is small — I’ve been on the sidelines cheering on someone fighting their own battle — but caregivers need encouragement too. A diagnosis isn’t the end; it’s a challenge, not a final sentence.”
He also urged attendees to take charge of their health. “Don’t take ‘no’ for an answer when something doesn’t feel right. Keep pushing, keep asking questions, and advocate for your health and for the people you love.”
Scheduled speakers include
- Eric Flenaugh, MD, Director of Pulmonary and Critical Care, Interventional Pulmonary Medicine, Grady Health System
- Sandeep Bodduluri, MS, PhD, Director, AI Center for Lung Analytics and Imaging Research, UAB
- Kelly Powell, MBA, Program Director II, Marnix E. Heersink Institute for Biomedical Innovation, UAB Medicine
- Jasmine Boykin, LPC, NCC, Licensed Professional Counselor, UAB
- Hayden Reeves, Clinical Research Coordinator, UAB Hematology & Oncology
- Laronica Conway, Center for Palliative and Supportive Care, UAB
- Additional clinical and community leaders from the University of Alabama at Birmingham and partner organizations
Why This Conversation Matters
Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer‑related death in the United States, yet early detection through recommended screening can dramatically improve survival. Unfortunately, many individuals — particularly those in historically underserved communities — continue to face barriers to screening, diagnosis, treatment, and supportive care.
By bringing together medical experts, researchers, patients, caregivers, and community organizations, Lung Cancer Screening to Treatment 2.0 aims to close knowledge gaps, increase awareness of lifesaving screening, and promote equitable access to high‑quality care.
Rev. Bryant underscored the urgency: “This event is a must attend for anyone who wants to understand lung cancer and help someone they care about get the treatment they need.” He added, “It takes a mix of clinical information and real‑life stories to motivate people to take care of their health. That combination can save lives.”
And above all, he offered a message of hope: “A diagnosis doesn’t mean you stop living. It means you fight — and you keep living your life.”
Registration begins at 9:30 a.m., and lunch will be provided following the program.
For more information or to register, visit www.healcollaborative.org.
