WSSU to host major cancer screening and prevention symposium March 26-27

Two-day event will bring together national healthcare leaders, community partners and researchers to address disparities

Winston-Salem State University will host a two-day cancer awareness symposium focused on prevention, screening and equitable access to health care March 26–27 at the Anderson Center’s McNeil Ballroom.

The event, titled “Bridging the Gaps in Cancer Screening and Prevention,” is organized by the university’s Rams Cancer Network Center and will bring together health professionals, researchers, students, community leaders and cancer survivors to discuss strategies for reducing cancer disparities and expanding access to early detection.

The symposium will run Thursday, March 26, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Friday, March 27, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Participants may attend either day or both days.

Organizers expect the event to draw at least 375 attendees, including participants traveling from across North Carolina and several other states.

Dr. Cassandra Wineglass, associate professor and chair of the healthcare management department, said, “This symposium represents something bigger than a single event. At WSSU, a premier HBCU, we are bringing together national health care partners, community organizations and academic leaders to create a model for how universities can lead cancer screening and prevention efforts. Our goal is for this work to become a blueprint that other HBCUs can build upon as we collectively address cancer disparities in our communities.”

The keynote speaker will be Retired U.S. Army Major General Dr. Elder Granger, a physician and health care executive who will share insights on improving health outcomes and advancing equitable access to cancer prevention and treatment.

The symposium will feature presentations from medical experts, discussions with cancer survivors and sessions addressing topics such as lung cancer prevention. Organizers are also exploring the possibility of offering continuing education opportunities for health professionals connected to the symposium.

To support early detection efforts, the WSSU Mobile Health Unit will be on site providing health screenings and services. In addition, CVS Health will provide each attendee with a $5 gift card to support healthcare-related purchases.

More than 25 health organizations and community vendors will also participate, offering education, resources and information on cancer prevention, screening and overall wellness.

The symposium is part of the work of Rams CNC, a cancer outreach and prevention initiative housed within WSSU’s School of Health Sciences. Through partnerships with academic institutions, health systems and community organizations, Rams CNC provides year-round health education programs and screening support.

“What excites me most is the level of collaboration behind this effort,” said Trivy Johnson, one of the conference organizers and the co-chair of Rams CNC. “We’ve received more than $70,000 in support from national organizations, several university departments and community partners. That level of investment reflects a shared belief that WSSU can lead meaningful change in cancer awareness, screening and prevention.”

Sponsors and partners supporting the symposium include Aetna and CVS Health; Association for Health and Wellness Education (AHWE); Forsyth County Department of Public Health; LabCorp; Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (Blood Center United); Merck and Co.; North Carolina Business Coalition on Health (NCBCH); Pepsi; Rams CNC; WSSU; WSSU Healthcare Management; and the WSSU Office of the Provost.

“This event is about connecting people to knowledge, resources and opportunities that can truly save lives,” Wineglass said. “Attendees will have access to screening resources, education from healthcare experts and direct connections to organizations working every day to improve health outcomes. It’s also an opportunity for the community to see firsthand the impact Winston-Salem State University is making as a leader in advancing health equity.”

Registration for the symposium is free and open to the public. For more information and to register, visit the WSSU Cancer Awareness Events page.