The Prostate Health Education Network, Inc. (PHEN), a leading non-profit organization committed to eradicating prostate cancer disparities affecting Black men, successfully hosted the PHEN Prostate Cancer Disparity Rally at Little Rock A.M.E. Zion Church. The event brought together faith leaders, medical professionals, community advocates, and prostate cancer survivors to drive awareness and encourage early detection screenings.

Founded in 2003 by prostate cancer survivor and author Thomas A. Farrington, PHEN continues its mission through education, advocacy, and community outreach.

A Call to Action for Early Detection

Bishop Darryl B. Starnes, Sr., Presiding Senior Bishop and Presiding Prelate of the Piedmont Episcopal District of the A.M.E. Zion Church, passionately urged Black men to prioritize early detection screenings. “For lifesaving information about early detection screening, please visit PHENPSA.com,” he encouraged. “We want all our A.M.E. Zion Churches throughout the nation to be a part of this fight against prostate cancer.”

Event Highlights and Distinguished Speakers

The rally opened with a warm welcome and prayer by Rev. Dr. Derrill A. Blue, Pastor of Little Rock A.M.E. Zion Church. Ms. Tomeeka Miller, Special Assistant to the President of PHEN, provided an introduction to the organization and its mission. Rev. Adrian Backus, Director of Church Partnerships and Outreach for PHEN, outlined the church partnership program and the critical role the Disparity Rally plays in addressing prostate cancer disparities.

A special presentation featured AME Zion leaders, including Reverend Scot C. Moore, Presiding Elder, and Iyabode Beysolow, MD, MPH, Director of Health Ministry, who emphasized the church’s role in promoting health awareness.

Key Discussions on Early Detection and Treatment

Dr. Keith Crawford, PHEN’s Director of Clinical Trials and Patient Education, moderated two insightful panel discussions:

Early Detection Screening Panel:

• Mr. Jimmy Hacket, a prostate cancer survivor and member of Little Rock A.M.E. Zion Church.
• Mr. John D. Richardson, a survivor and member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity.
• Mr. Joshua McClure, Health Promotion and Community Outreach Manager at Atrium Health.

Understanding Treatment Options:

• Dr. Blair Townsend, Urologist, Urology Specialists of the Carolinas.
• Dr. Vernon E. Mackie, Oncologist, Atrium Health.
• Mr. Jerry Womack, PHEN Ambassador for Charlotte and a prostate cancer survivor.

Dr. Crawford also led discussions on clinical trial participation and prostate cancer and genetics, reinforcing the importance of research and family history awareness in managing prostate cancer risks.

Mobilizing the Charlotte Community

A powerful community mobilization panel featured:

• Mr. Tony Hill, Director of Health Policy at PHEN and a prostate cancer survivor.
• Mr. Mark Jerrell, MBA, Chair of the Mecklenburg Board of County Commissioners and District 4 Representative.

Closing the Rally with Commitment and Prayer

The rally concluded with closing remarks and prayers from Rev. Adrian Backus and Rev. Dr. Derrill A. Blue, affirming the church’s commitment to continued advocacy and community outreach.

A United Effort to End Prostate Cancer Disparities

The PHEN Prostate Cancer Disparity Rally at Little Rock A.M.E. Zion Church highlighted the urgent need for Black men to prioritize prostate cancer screenings and treatment. Through collaborative efforts between PHEN, faith-based organizations, healthcare professionals, and community leaders, the fight against prostate cancer disparities continues with unwavering dedication and hope.

For more information and resources on prostate cancer awareness, visit PHENPSA.com.