HEAL Collaborative Announces 3rd Annual African American Lung Cancer Patient & Caregiver Summit in New Orleans
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Release Date: January 22, 2026
HEAL Collaborative Announces 3rd Annual African American Lung Cancer Patient & Caregiver Summit in New Orleans
NEW ORLEANS — HEAL Collaborative announced today it will host the 3rd Annual African American Lung Cancer Patient & Caregiver Summit on April 23–25, 2026, in New Orleans, bringing together patients, caregivers, clinicians, advocates, and community leaders from across the country.
The national Summit is the only event dedicated exclusively to African American lung cancer patients and caregivers, centering their voices while advancing health equity, education, and advocacy. The 2026 theme, Our Voice. Our Breath. Our Future., underscores the importance of representation, empowerment, and collective action in improving lung health outcomes.
Programming will address navigating a lung cancer diagnosis, emerging treatments and clinical trials, environmental and clean-air justice, advocacy and public policy, and the growing role of artificial intelligence in lung health. Breakout sessions will focus on mental wellness, financial navigation, caregiver support, public awareness, and patient advocacy training.
The Summit also prioritizes peer connection, creating space for patients and caregivers to share experiences and learn from others who understand the realities of living with lung cancer.
Local New Orleans partners and speakers include St. Tammany Health System, The New Orleans Musicians’ Clinic, Rich Mauti, founder of the Mauti Cancer Fund and former New Orleans Saints wide receiver; Brian L. Pettiford, MD, section head of general thoracic surgery at Ochsner Cancer Institute; and Reginald Vicks, chief operating officer and lung cancer survivor at CrescentCare Community Health Center.
The event is free for lung cancer patients and their caregivers.
Location: Marriott Warehouse Arts District | New Orleans
Dates: April 23–25, 2026
Registration: aalcpcsummit.com
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About HEAL Collaborative
To strengthen the health and wellness of communities through the development and implementation of education and advocacy engagement programs and trainings, providing resources necessary to build upon the existing value and influence of faith institutions, community leaders and the citizens so that our confident resolve for health equity is just, warranted, and sufficient to enrich the lives of communities and future generations.
Media Contact
Shaylah White-Pearson | shaylah@healcollaborative.org
