National Nonprofit and Local Church Host Community Conversation on Lung Cancer, AI, and Health Equity

HEAL Collaborative, in partnership with Antioch Missionary Baptist Church and the biotechnology company Amgen, will host 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 aims to empower attendees with knowledge and resources to reduce lung cancer disparities through education, early detection, timely treatment, and equitable access to care.

Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States, and community leaders, physicians, researchers, and patient advocates are coming together to address this issue. The event will bring together residents living with lung cancer, caregivers, veterans, healthcare professionals, faith leaders, and community members for a meaningful dialogue.

Howard Mosby, Chief Operating Officer of HEAL Collaborative, emphasized the importance of early diagnosis in saving lives. “Far too many lives are lost because lung cancer is diagnosed too late,” he said. “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 dedicated to advancing health equity by improving health outcomes in underserved communities. The organization works with healthcare systems, faith-based organizations, academic institutions, and community leaders to develop innovative programs that increase access to prevention, screening, treatment, and quality care for all.

Rev. Joseph Bryant, who will help lead the community dialogue, highlighted the power 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.”

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. Rev. Bryant also noted the importance of supporting caregivers, stating, “A diagnosis isn’t the end; it’s a challenge, not a final sentence.”

He urged attendees to take charge of their health, emphasizing the value of proactive care and community support. The conversation reflects a commitment to neighbor-love and practical mercy, aligning with the biblical call to care for the sick and vulnerable, as seen in Matthew 25:35.

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