Carlton Allen, Program Manager at The Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas shared on LinkedIn:
“Let me tell you a little about Texas…
If you haven’t heard we did a big thing last week. We launched the Texas Lone Star Cervical Cancer Elimination Plan 2027 – 2032! This is more than a plan, it is a statewide commitment, it is a show of what true collaboration looks like and it is a future where cervical cancer is no longer a public health threat in Texas.
I am truly honored to be part of this initiative and to have played a role in bringing this plan to life. But let me first tell you about these women that made it all possible. Drs. Melissa Lopez Varon, Jessica Calderon-Mora, Susan Lackey Parker, and Erika Thompson.
Seeing the dedication, collaboration, and shared vision behind this effort, from these four, come together has been incredibly rewarding.
They make up the Executive Committee and I am especially proud of the tremendous work they put into developing and launching this plan, along with the many individuals, organizations, health systems, academic institutions, community partners, and advocates who helped make this milestone possible.
The roadmap is clear: increase HPV vaccination, expand cervical cancer screening, and ensure timely follow-up, diagnosis, and treatment. By working together, addressing barriers to care, and prioritizing communities that experience the greatest disparities, we have an opportunity to make a lasting difference for Texans across our state.
Now comes the part I am most excited about, putting the plan into action!
I cannot wait to get to work alongside partners across Texas to turn this shared vision into meaningful progress, stronger prevention efforts, and lives saved.
This is what happens when we bring people and organizations together around a shared mission. And this is just the beginning!
Explore the Texas Lone Star Cervical Cancer Elimination Plan.”
Kathleen Schmeler, Board Member of Union for International Cancer Control, added:
“I could not agree more! Thank you and congrats to Melissa Lopez Varon, Susan Lackey Parker, Jessica Calderon-Mora and Erika Thompson for your leadership in this effort.
And a big thank you to Carlton Allen and the Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas for all the support.”
You can also read:
Karen Canfell: Cervical Cancer Elimination in India Requires Coordinated Action
