Little Rock PHEN Prostate Cancer Disparity Rally Mobilizes Charlotte Community for Life-Saving Awareness

Charlotte, NC – January 25, 2025 – The Prostate Health Education Network, Inc. (PHEN), a leading non-profit organization committed to eradicating prostate cancer disparities affecting Black men, successfully hosted the Charlotte 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.

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 urged Black men to prioritize their health. “For lifesaving information about early detection screening, please visit PHENPSA.com,” he stated. “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 featured remarks from esteemed faith leaders and medical professionals, including:

• Rev. Dr. Derrill A. Blue, Pastor, Little Rock A.M.E. Zion Church

• Ms. Tomeeka Miller, Special Assistant to the President, PHEN

• Rev. Adrian Backus, Director of Church Partnerships and Outreach, PHEN

• Reverend Scot C. Moore, Presiding Elder

• Dr. Iyabode Beysolow, MD, MPH, Director of Health Ministry

Educational Panels and Key Discussions

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

• Early Detection Screening with prostate cancer survivors and healthcare professionals.

• Understanding Treatment Options featuring leading oncologists and urologists.

• Clinical Trial Participation to educate the community on research opportunities.

• Prostate Cancer and Genetics highlighting the role of family history in cancer risk.

Mobilizing the Charlotte Community

A panel discussion on community mobilization featured:

• Mr. Tony Hill, Director of Health Policy, PHEN, and prostate cancer survivor.

• Mr. Mark Jerrell, MBA, Chair of the Mecklenburg Board of County Commissioners.

A United Effort to End Prostate Cancer Disparities

The rally concluded with closing remarks and prayers from Rev. Adrian Backus and Rev. Dr. Derrill A. Blue, emphasizing the commitment of faith and health leaders in addressing prostate cancer disparities.

PHEN continues its mission through strategic partnerships with faith-based organizations, healthcare providers, and community leaders to drive impactful education and advocacy efforts.

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