Louisiana’s cancer researchers, medical providers, and community health advocates will convene on Friday, May 9 on the LSU Shreveport campus for the annual Promising Practices Conference on Community Health presented by The Louisiana Cancer Research Center’s (LCRC), Office of Community Engagement (OCE).   Registration is now open to attend in person or online.  The program is from 8 a.m. to 2:15 p.m. in the University Center Ballroom and online.

The Conference facilitates collaboration among educational and research institutions and local organizations with a goal of sharing health and wellness information statewide. It presents a supportive environment for communities seeking to develop effective approaches to public health and community wellness in Louisiana.

There is no charge to attend the conference, which is presented by the LCRC. Louisiana Public Health Institute, (LPHI) and AmeriHealth Caritas of Louisiana are key supporters of the conference.

Dr. Shakiera Causey, Senior Principal Research Scientist for Evidence to Action (E2A) at the National Network of Public Health Institutes, will deliver the morning keynote speech, “Clearing the air: Strengthening Families to Combat Vaping, Smoking, and Cancer for Healthier Communities.”

Dr. Joseph Francis, Professor and Director of the Center for Comparative Oncology and Center for Pre-Clinical Cancer Research, at LSU School of Veterinary Medicine is the lunchtime keynote speaker. Dr. Francis will present, “Revealing the Hidden Dangers: Oncogenic Effects of Flavored E-Cigarette Exposure."

“This year’s conference focuses on vaping, cancer risk, and community awareness and action - bringing community, research, and discussions together. This community focused conference serves to increase cancer-related awareness and action/behavior change,” says Dr. Earl N. Benjamin-Robinson Director of LCRC’s Office of Community Engagement. At the end of the conference, attendees will have learned about a myriad of informational resources for creating successful collaborations between healthcare providers, public health professionals, and the communities they serve.

About the LCRC

Approximately 30,000 Louisianans will be diagnosed with cancer this year. The Louisiana Cancer Research Center serves as a collaborative hub that advances cancer research, improves prevention, and accelerates innovative treatments. LCRC brings together the collective talent of more than 200 researchers from across the state and four member institutions – Louisiana State University Health New Orleans, Tulane University School of Medicine, Xavier University of Louisiana, and Ochsner Health – to improve cancer outcomes for Louisianans and all those touched by the disease.

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