The Important Role of PHEN’s Survivor Network Outreach Panel Discussion

For the second session of the 20th Annual African American Prostate Cancer Disparity Summit, four participants gave their thoughts at a panel discussion about The Important Role of PHEN’s Survivor Network Outreach. The four panelists included:

• Mr. Mark Freeman, Chairman of the Tie 1 on 4 Prostate – Colon Cancer organization
• Mr. Barney Morris, PHEN Ambassador of Tampa, FL
• Rev. Blane Newberry, Associate Pastor at the Enon Tabernacle Baptist Church
• Dr. Artie Shelton, PHEN Ambassador of Olney, MD

PHEN Director of Community Partnership Development and Outreach Rev. Adrian Backus discussed the purpose and goals of the PHEN Survivor Network, such as recruiting survivors and educating men via free flyers and resources. Dr. Shelton explained how joining PHEN has helped him make it through his own prostate cancer journey, and he shared a story about a man who thanked him for saving his life via a free prostate cancer screening. He discussed the many ministries, barbershops, and other locations where he educated men about prostate health.

Mr. Freeman spoke about how his organization works to raise funds locally in Chester, PA, via community events like jazz concerts, for other foundations that spread prostate cancer education. Rev. Newberry stated that, when churches partner with other organizations and groups like African American farmers, they can gain greater success in supporting nutrition and cancer prevention throughout their local communities. Mr. Morris also shared his prostate cancer journey and how he came across PHEN via a summit. He appreciated PHEN’s easy-to-understand language and free brochures, which he continues to utilize as an ambassador today.