On the Path to Prevention

Renewal, Inspiration, and Well-being
Updates on the Current Vaccination Landscape
Year in Review: St. Jude HPV Cancer Prevention Program
Updated State HPV Data Profiles
Improving Rural HPV Vaccination Coverage
Wide Open Spaces: Accelerating Our Impact: Protecting Patients Beyond the Smile: HPV Vaccinations in the Dental Setting
HPV Vaccination Roundtable of the Southeast
HPV Cancer Story: Kristen’s Journey
A Heartfelt Thank You to Our Partners for an Incredible 2025
Partner Activities and Updates
Current and Upcoming Events
Team Question: Reflections of Gratitude
Get Free St. Jude HPV Education Materials
Previous St. Jude HPV Cancer Prevention Program Monthly E-newsletters
About the St. Jude HPV Cancer Prevention Program

Renewal, Inspiration, and Well-being

St. Jude leads the way in which the world understands, treats, and cures childhood cancer and other life-threatening diseases. We do not yet know how to prevent childhood cancer, but there is a proven way to prevent cancers in adulthood by vaccinating children. As the only National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center devoted solely to children, St. Jude has an important role and responsibility in increasing the number of children who benefit from HPV vaccination and reduce their risk of preventable cancers later in life.

St. Jude wants all children to be protected against HPV cancers they may develop in adulthood through HPV vaccination. Through the HPV Cancer Prevention Program, we seek a world free of HPV cancers.

Our program has a national public awareness campaign – Kids Aren’t Thinking about HPV, which is why parents and caregivers who make vaccination decisions should be. This campaign targets the general public to leverage the trust in St. Jude as a reputable, credible organization. Recently, specific content for rural communities was added to enhance the relevance of the campaign.

While we want all children to be protected against HPV cancers, the majority of our programming centers on reaching children who are missing out on timely HPV cancer prevention. This includes children in rural communities across the U.S., children in the Southeastern U.S. to include 12 states and two jurisdictions making up the region, and childhood cancer survivors, starting with our patient families at St. Jude. In addition, we believe community is built from the inside out, so we focus on our own backyard in Memphis too.

While the current climate around vaccinations may be stormy, our commitment is clear. We follow science and put this evidence into practice to make sure all children are protected, and especially children in under-vaccinated groups. If we can ensure all children are protected, we have the opportunity to eliminate HPV cancers beginning with cervical cancer as a public health concern – and achieve our vision of a world free of HPV cancers. Do we care enough? Do we have the will to persevere in challenging times? Will we do what’s needed to make sure no population is left behind? THIS is what drives our program.

In this month’s Path to Prevention newsletter, check out our progress through our primary initiatives and complementary activities to ensure all children are protected against HPV cancers in adulthood.

As this year ends, we want to express our sincere appreciation for your dedication and collaboration. Your commitment has made a meaningful impact, and together we have achieved important progress. Looking ahead, may the coming year bring new opportunities, fresh perspectives, and continued success in our shared focus on preventing HPV cancers.

Thank you for your partnership, resilience, and hard work. We look forward to building on our accomplishments and facing new challenges together.

Wishing you a season of renewal, inspiration, and well-being.

As always, please reach out to us at PreventHPV@stjude.org with any suggestions, content, and/or questions.

Updates on the Current Vaccination Landscape

The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) in its current form and as constructed by Secretary Kennedy will meet on December 4-5. The composition of the committee and uncertainty about sources of evidence and data complicate any predictions about potential outcomes. However, as noted in a recent article by Asturias et al. published in Vaccine, a recent independent review of the ACIP processes, deliberations, and votes should sound alarms for anyone invested in preserving community health through vaccinations. Further, recent changes to the CDC website to imply a link between vaccines and autism as directed by Secretary has rightfully led to deep concerns in the absence of any such evidence.

Recent research and news sources highlight several new and actionable insights for improving HPV vaccination coverage. A Nature article emphasizes the critical need for tailored communication strategies, noting that misinformation and vaccine hesitancy continue to undermine public health efforts. It advocates for proactive, culturally sensitive outreach, especially in communities with historically lower vaccination rates, and highlights the value of leveraging trusted local voices to boost confidence in HPV and other vaccines.

A Contemporary Pediatrics feature, "Deadly Horizon," underscores the urgency of addressing gaps in adolescent vaccination, particularly as preventable diseases like HPV-related cancers remain a significant threat. The article calls for pediatricians to make strong, routine vaccine recommendations and for practices to adopt reminder-recall systems—both proven interventions to raise coverage.

The Skeptical Raptor blog draws attention to the parallels between human vaccine misinformation and emerging skepticism about pet vaccines, suggesting that the spread of anti-vaccine narratives is broadening. This underscores the need for clear, evidence-based messaging and rapid response to misinformation in all spheres, including HPV vaccination.

Trust data from the Edelman Trust Barometer and new Pew Research Center findings add actionable nuance: Most Americans believe vaccines prevent serious illness, but concerns persist about safety testing and the recommended schedule. Trust in vaccines varies by age, race/ethnicity, and education, indicating that outreach must be tailored to the unique experiences and concerns of different communities. Building trust through transparency, consistent information, and engagement with diverse community leaders is essential.

The most actionable steps are to strengthen local, culturally relevant communication, address specific safety concerns, use reminder systems, and leverage trusted messengers to build vaccine confidence and improve HPV vaccination rates. Stay the course – vaccines are safe and work.

Year in Review: St. Jude HPV Cancer Prevention Program

As we reflect on 2025, we are proud to share the incredible progress made toward our St. Jude HPV Cancer Prevention Program’s vision of a world free of HPV cancers. This year, our collective efforts reached farther, engaged more partners, and delivered measurable impact across communities. Our overall reach and impact were closely aligned with our program objectives: (1) serving as a leader, convener, and catalyst; (2) conducting landscape assessments in targeted areas; (3) advancing strategic implementation; (4) applying community-centered approaches; (5) strengthening communications; and (6) supporting organizational infrastructure and operations. In this section, we are including a brief review of 2025 and highlighting select accomplishments.

National public awareness campaign: In 2025, the Kids Aren’t Thinking About HPV national public awareness campaign achieved 32 million impressions and drove 128,000+ visits to the campaign landing page (stjude.org/PreventHPV). This year, the landing page was refreshed and updated to include rural HPV cancer prevention resources and messaging.

Rural HPV cancer prevention: Our program also continued its efforts to improve HPV vaccination with rural communities. Through four quarterly meetings, four virtual seminars, a drop-in meeting at the National HPV Conference, and new publications and resources, we connected with hundreds of partners to advance HPV cancer prevention in rural areas. We published 12 Wide Open Spaces articles, hosted 260 registrants across events, and launched revised priority actions to guide future work.

Southeastern U.S.: Our program continued to provide backbone support to the HPV Vaccination Roundtable of the Southeast. The Southeast Roundtable hosted its second annual meeting virtually, published its first annual report, established organizational structure, and grew to 142 formal members. The Communications Implementation Team launched the It’s Our Way Down South campaign, gained 109 campaign users, provided 18 campaign technical assistance sessions, and distributed 12,273 assets to partners across the Southeast. The Elimination Implementation Team launched the first-ever regional elimination plan in the U.S., Southeast Call to Action: Elimination of HPV Cancers Starting with Cervical Cancer as a Public Health Concern and associated toolkit. Our elimination toolkit was requested 42 times, and technical assistance was provided to partners in four states. The Elimination Implementation Team also published a report of its Elimination Policy in the Southeast Needs Assessment, co-organized the first in-person Mississippi Elimination Meeting, celebrated the first World Cervical Cancer Elimination Day of Action with a virtual seminar, and submitted an abstract to EUROGIN 2026 that was accepted for oral presentation. The Start at Age 9 and Other Best Practices Implementation Team hosted an a state immunization information systems (IIS) training, launched the Start at Age 9 and Other Best Practices Case Studies meeting series, and convened a group of partners to develop and pilot an HPV vaccination curriculum for medical trainees.

State-level engagement: Our program’s coordinators engaged partners across 14 states and jurisdictions to support the direct and indirect implementation of evidence-based interventions and activities to improve HPV vaccination coverage at the state-level.

Memphis: Our program also continued to provide backbone support to the Memphis and Shelby County HPV Cancer Prevention Roundtable. The Memphis Roundtable guided by the Executive Committee and advanced by the Planning Committee, reached 201 formal members. The Memphis Roundtable hosted its 5th Annual Meeting and 4th Mid-Year Meeting, supported back-to-school vaccination drives, delivering 278 vaccinations—including 57 HPV doses, and expanded on the success of the Its Our Way Down South campaign by developing Memphis-specific campaign, reinforcing that HPV vaccination is truly our way in Memphis.

Childhood cancer survivors: Our program’s efforts to address HPV vaccination among childhood cancer survivors continued. We were invited to apply for a second year of the National Institutes of Health administrative supplement grant to support our Survivor Proud campaign to improve HPV vaccination coverage among childhood cancer survivors.

We’re also proud to recognize several standout accomplishments from our team this year. Our program was honored with the Cervivor Champion Award at the Fifth Annual Cervivor Summit. We also congratulate our Administrative Director, Andrea Stubbs, on earning her PhD, and celebrate Julia Brown, MPH, pogram manager and Pragya Gautam Poudel, DrPH, postdoctoral fellow on being accepted into the American Cancer Society National HPV Vaccination Roundtable Emerging Leaders Program.

As we reflect on all that was accomplished in 2025, we’re excited to move into 2026 and celebrate the five-year anniversary of the HPV Cancer Prevention Program’s launch in March 2026. We look forward to continuing our monthly newsletter and sharing updates and resources with you. Thank you for subscribing and for your continued support. Wishing you and your family a happy holiday season!

Updated State HPV Data Profiles Available

Updated state HPV data profiles are now available for selected states across the Southeastern U.S. and in the St. Jude Comprehensive Cancer Center catchment area. The state data profiles are an important tool that offer a consolidated, at-a-glance look at HPV vaccination coverage and HPV cancers. Also included are state-specific opportunities and recommended actions.

Access the updated state data profile by clicking on the state name below:

Alabama
Arkansas
Florida
Georgia
Illinois
Kentucky
Louisiana
Mississippi
Missouri
North Carolina
Oklahoma
Puerto Rico
South Carolina
Tennessee
Virginia
Washington, D.C.
West Virginia

The state HPV data profiles also are available at stjude.org/HPV under Resources and at stjude.org/southeast-roundtable.

Your thoughts on the state HPV data profiles are welcomed. We also are interested in learning more about how you may use the profiles in your work. Email PreventHPV@stjude.org to share your input.

Improving Rural HPV Vaccination Coverage

Advancing Rural Progress: Highlights from the National Rural Health Day Meeting, November 20

The final Preventing HPV Cancers with Rural Communities: Updates and Opportunities quarterly meeting was held on National Rural Health Day (November 20). The meeting celebrated rural strengths and unveiled our revised Rural HPV Vaccination Priority Actions which will guide our rural efforts through 2026 and beyond. We were joined by several of the experts who guided the revisions to introduce the updated priorities, providing comprehensive details that included descriptions, identified challenges and opportunities, key areas of focus, and real-world examples of activities to support implementation of each revised priority. Other resources for rural action were also released during the meeting including an updated Preventing HPV Cancers with Rural Communities fact sheet, rural-focused campaign materials, and a comprehensive Summary Report—highlighting achievements since the rural HPV initiative launch in 2023. We invite you to read the full report to see how these new priorities build on our achievements and outline the next steps for protecting rural communities from HPV cancers into the future. Please explore these updated resources and share across your networks with partners who care about rural HPV cancer prevention. If you were unable to attend the meeting, the recording and presentation slides are available here. Our special communication for National Rural Health Day highlighted the Power of Rural and honored the opportunities and partnerships advancing rural health and HPV cancer prevention. You can catch up on it here.

Join us for Preventing HPV Cancers with Rural Communities: Updates and Opportunities Quarterly Meetings in 2026

With December upon us, we thank you for your continued engagement and invite you to join us in 2026 for another year of Preventing HPV Cancers with Rural Communities: Updates and Opportunities quarterly meetings. These meetings will feature progress on our new priority action items and showcase successful efforts to promote HPV cancer prevention with rural communities. The 2026 meetings will be held from noon-1 p.m. Central Time on February 19, May 14, August 20, and November 19 on National Rural Health Day. Register here.

Wide Open Spaces:
Supporting HPV Vaccination with Rural Communities

Protecting Patients Beyond the Smile:
HPV Vaccinations in the Dental Setting

Chiricahua Community Health Centers, Inc. (CCHCI) in rural Arizona is implementing an innovative approach to HPV cancer prevention by integrating vaccination into dental visits. Recognizing that dental providers see patients ages 9–13—the key age range for HPV vaccination—CCHCI created a "one stop shop" model. An on-site immunization nurse screens dental schedules and offers vaccines during appointments, supported by educational posters and brochures highlighting HPV’s link to oral cancers. From May 2023-September 2025, the program has administered 357 HPV doses, nearly half as first doses, and 15% given to children as early as age 9. This strategy reduces missed opportunities by meeting people where they are, greatly expanding access to the cancer-prevention potential of HPV vaccination.

Learn more about CCHCI’s innovative approach to increasing HPV vaccination rates through dental practices in rural Arizona here.

Learn more about preventing HPV cancers with rural communities here.

About the Authors:

Kelsey Vincent, RN, began her career in health care as a Medical Assistant at a Community Health Center in New Mexico, where she developed a deep commitment to community health and preventive medicine. Kelsey then pursued her RN license to expand her impact on patient care. As Vaccine Program Manager at Chiricahua Community Health Centers, Kelsey has led innovative initiatives to increase vaccine access, including integrating vaccine administration into dental facilities. Since 2022, she has overseen more than 4,000 vaccinations through dental integration. Her program earned the 2023 TAPI Big Shot Award, and she continues to lead efforts improving HPV vaccine uptake and access.

Brianna Hillier, DMD, is the Director of Dental Services for Chiricahua Community Health Centers, a mission driven federally qualified health center, ensuring all people in rural southeastern Arizona have access to dental care. She thrives when working alongside her medical and behavioral health colleagues. The collaborative effort of multiple specialties provides patients and their families with individualized health care strategies that can be fine-tuned and adapted to various challenges that patients face every day.

Do you have a story about HPV cancer prevention efforts with rural communities? We invite guest contributors to share information on how they are working to improve HPV vaccination in rural areas through the Wide Open Spaces article series, which is promoted in our monthly Path to Prevention newsletter, featured in our quarterly rural HPV vaccination newsletter, and posted on stjude.org/HPVrural. If you are interested in contributing to or learning more about our efforts to improve HPV vaccination with rural communities, please email us at PreventHPV@stjude.org.

HPV Vaccination Roundtable of the Southeast

The HPV Vaccination Roundtable of the Southeast includes people and partners from 12 states and two jurisdictions across the Southeastern United States with the goal of improving HPV vaccination coverage to protect against HPV cancers. The Southeast Roundtable is guided by leadership from the Executive Committee, Steering Committee, implementation teams, and general membership. Visit the HPV Vaccination Roundtable of the Southeast website at stjude.org/southeast-roundtable. Read the latest Southeast Roundtable quarterly communication from October here.

It’s Our Way Down South communication campaign materials available for use
Southeast U.S. Elimination of HPV Cancers Starting with Cervical Cancer as a Public Health Concern resources now available for you to use
Start at Age 9 and Other Best Practices Quarterly Case Study Meeting, January 29, 2 – 3:15 p.m. Eastern Time / 1 – 2:15 p.m. Central Time. Register here.

Communication: Develop and implement a communication campaign and messages for the Southeastern region

"It’s Our Way Down South" is the communication campaign developed by implementation team members for those across the Southeastern region. Over 100 campaign access requests from 30 states and jurisdictions have been fulfilled in addition to print materials requests.

New campaign materials as part of Phase 2 are now available! These include a mix of back-to-school themed visuals and taglines as well as evergreen assets. Complete the request form to access all materials, and check out this preview.

To support use of the It’s Our Way Down South campaign materials, the communication implementation team is hosting drop-in office hours on a monthly cadence. The next drop-in office hours will be held starting in 2026, January 21, noon-1 p.m. Central Time. Join here. If scheduled office hours do not work, please email PreventHPV@stjude.org to schedule a different time. A detailed Campaign User Guide is also available to users, providing plug and play support through features such as an 8-week posting schedule as an example of how to disseminate across social media channels. You can access the User Guide via Canva, Box, and Dropbox by completing the request form.

Please share any photos of materials distributed in-person by emailing PreventHPV@stjude.org.

Elimination: Develop and disseminate a plan for HPV cancer elimination in the Southeast, beginning with cervical cancer, as a public health concern

On September 9, the elimination implementation team released the Southeast U.S. Call to Action: Elimination of HPV Cancers Starting with Cervical Cancer as a Public Health Concern. If you missed the virtual launch, the unedited recording can be viewed here. Access the Call to Action and other elimination materials on the new landing page at stjude.org/southeast-elimination.

Social posts, media copy, and a press release are available upon request to support your dissemination of these resources. Email PreventHPV@stjude.org to receive access. Together, we can eliminate HPV cancers starting with cervical cancer.

World Cervical Cancer Elimination Day
November 17 marked the fifth year since the launch of the Global Strategy to accelerate the elimination of cervical cancer as a public health problem. In May 2025, the World Health Assembly designated November 17 as World Cervical Cancer Elimination Day. This year’s theme was "Act Now: Eliminate Cervical Cancer". In the spirit of the theme, the elimination implementation team hosted a seminar to convene leaders working on elimination efforts throughout the Southeast. The moderator for the session was Marissa Malchione, Senior Manager, Research & Analysis, HPV Initiative, Sabin Vaccine Institute. Presenters were Crystal Back, RN, Pediatric Immunization Nurse, Coordinator, Kentucky Department for Public Health; Amy Ellis , Associate Director, State Partnerships, American Cancer Society; Rosamar Martinez , Program Administrator, Louisiana Comprehensive Cancer Control Program; Tara Pendygraft, MPH, Education and Outreach Coordinator, Immunization Branch, Kentucky Department for Public Health; and Nancy Wright, MPH , Director, Cancer Prevention and Control Division, Alabama Department of Health.

Start at Age 9 and Other Best Practices: Accelerate efforts to start HPV vaccination at age 9

To address the Start at Age 9 and Other Best Practices priority, the implementation team continues to work on developing and disseminating targeted messaging to key partners and health care providers to drive improved knowledge of the benefits of starting HPV vaccination at age 9 and encourage initiation of HPV vaccination at age 9.

The Start at Age 9 and Other Best Practices Quarterly Case Study Meeting series highlights unique case studies to share learnings from age 9 implementation efforts from across the Southeast region. The most recent Quarterly Case Study Meeting was held on November 20, 2025. Presenters included Carole Stipelman, MD, MPH, Professor in the Division of General Pediatrics at the University of Utah School of Medicine and Jason Yaun, MD, FAAP, Associate Professor of Pediatrics at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center. If you were unable to join us, access the recording here. The slides and recording will be posted to stjude.org/southeast-roundtable soon.

Join us for the next quarterly case study meeting to be held on Thursday, January 29, 2026, 2 – 3:15 p.m. Eastern Time / 1 – 2:15 p.m. Central Time. Register here. If you have recommendations for case study presenters or would like to share your work, please email us at PreventHPV@stjude.org.

HPV Cancer Story: Kristen’s Journey

Kristen was a woman of quiet strength and unwavering devotion. We first met through our children, who became fast friends at the age of six. Though our backgrounds were worlds apart—Kristen rooted in rural Mississippi, and I from England—we found common ground in motherhood and built a friendship that I will cherish forever.

Kristen was an introvert by nature, but those fortunate enough to earn her trust discovered a brilliant mind and a sharp, droll sense of humor. She was a dedicated mother, a fierce protector, and an athlete who ran six miles a day. Her resilience was inspiring, even before life tested her in unimaginable ways.

In 2021, Kristen began experiencing back pain—a symptom we brushed off at first. What followed was a devastating diagnosis: stage 3 cervical cancer. She was just 37 years old, and her beloved son Anthony was only nine. For three years, Kristen fought with extraordinary courage, enduring countless treatments and setbacks. Even when radiation left her unable to feel her leg and forced her to relearn how to walk, she pressed on. Her determination was fueled by one dream: to see Anthony graduate from high school.

Kristen’s journey was marked by grace and selflessness. During a brief period of remission, she turned her pain into purpose, learning about HPV cancer prevention and advocating for education and awareness. Most importantly, she ensured Anthony was fully vaccinated against HPV—a profound act of love that will protect him from HPV cancers like the cancer that claimed her life.

In February 2024, Kristen made the brave decision to stop treatment. That same week, she entrusted us with Anthony’s guardianship—a testament to her faith in our love for him. She passed away in April 2024, leaving behind a legacy of resilience, advocacy, and unconditional love.

Kristen dreamed of traveling to the Pacific Northwest. Though she was too weak to make the trip for her 40th birthday, Anthony promised to take her there one day. This summer, we fulfilled that promise, scattering her ashes by a serene lake near the rainforest—a place as beautiful and enduring as her spirit.

December 2, 2025, would have been Kristen’s 43rd birthday, a bittersweet reminder of how deeply she is missed.

Rest in peace, dear Kristen. Your strength, your love, and your legacy live on in Anthony and in all of us who were blessed to know you.

Submitted by Janet Partridge, PhD, is a principal scientist in the Roberts Lab at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

A Heartfelt Thank You to Our Partners for an Incredible 2025

Over the course of the year, we spotlight the work of a different partner or collaborator each month. As we close out this year, we want to take a moment to express our deepest gratitude to each of our partners for your unwavering support of our program and for your ongoing collaboration throughout 2025. Our program cannot do this work alone; everything we accomplish is made possible through thoughtful, skillful, and committed partnerships. Your contributions have been instrumental in advancing our mission and creating meaningful impact towards improving HPV vaccination coverage across the communities we serve.

Together, we have achieved remarkable milestones like expanding access, fostering innovation, and strengthening programs that truly make a difference. None of this would have been possible without your dedication, expertise, and commitment.

Looking ahead to 2026, we are excited to continue building on this momentum and exploring new opportunities for partnerships and collaborations to create lasting change. We welcome you to reach out to our program to share information to be included in this newsletter, request a meeting with members of our team, or be connected to other partners with shared interests.

We also encourage you to submit a partner spotlight to be featured in a 2026 newsletter. Partner spotlights are brief 250 words or less entries that include an overview of your work and specific populations of focus, a description of how you have partnered with our program, upcoming events, and links to resources.

Thank you for being an essential part of our 2025 journey. Email us at PreventHPV@stjude.org to connect in the year ahead. Here’s to another year of partnership and progress!

Unity Consortium Annual Retreat

In November, the Unity Consortium hosted its annual retreat full of reflection, connection, and meaningful conversations. During the retreat, attendees explored implications for adolescent health and vaccination in a rapidly shifting public health and policy environment and discussed Unity initiatives to strengthen adolescent immunization efforts despite unprecedented challenges to vaccine confidence.

Heather Brandt, PhD, director of the St. Jude HPV Cancer Prevention Program attended, though she was leading a meeting of the HPV Vaccination Roundtable of the Southeast at the time of the photo.

Doctor Bob Posts

Robert (Bob) Bednarczyk, PhD, Associate Professor, Global Health and Epidemiology, Emory University Rollins School of Public Health and Steering Committee Chair for the HPV Vaccination Roundtable of the Southeast has launched a new social media platform to help provide information and context to the world of public health science. This platform uses storytelling and plain language breakdowns of the "how" and "why" of public health topics. Check out and follow Doctor Bob Posts on Facebook and Instagram.

Kentucky Cancer Consortium Annual Meeting

On December 3, the Kentucky Cancer Consortium (KCC) hosted its annual meeting virtually, bringing partners together from across the state to review progress and align efforts in advancing cancer prevention and control. As Kentucky’s statewide comprehensive cancer control coalition—and the bonafide agent designated by the Kentucky Department for Public Health—the KCC leads the development and implementation of Kentucky’s Cancer Action Plan. This plan outlines goals and strategies spanning prevention, early detection, treatment, and improving quality of life for Kentuckians affected by cancer.
This year’s agenda featured updates and conversations that spotlighted both progress and ongoing challenges.

A notable highlight for HPV work was the encouraging decline in cervical cancer incidence among Kentucky women—both statewide and among those living in rural communities. However, screening rates remain an area of concern. While the goal is to maintain 80% of Kentucky women ages 21–65 completing a Pap test within the past three years, the current rate stands at 61.8%.

To learn more about the Kentucky Cancer Consortium and explore their statewide cancer control efforts, click here.

Strengthening Strategy Through Dialogue: Vax 2 Stop Cancer Board Retreat

On November 14, Founder and CEO Barbara Schuler invited Andrea Stubbs, PhD, to join the Vax 2 Stop Cancer board retreat at the United Way of Central Alabama. The retreat brought together board members committed to advancing vaccine advocacy at a time when recent federal policy changes may significantly influence vaccination access and uptake.

Dr. Stubbs was invited to facilitate a strategic discussion designed to help the board sharpen its direction and strengthen alignment around its priorities. While she guided the flow of the conversation, helping surface ideas, clarify perspectives, and move the group toward consensus, the insights and direction emerged from the board’s collective experience and vision.

Throughout the session, participants explored how Vax 2 Stop Cancer can remain responsive amid a shifting policy environment. The discussion centered on bolstering coordination, reaffirming the organization’s mission, and identifying opportunities to reinforce its role as a trusted leader in vaccine education and advocacy.

By the end of the retreat, the board had outlined several immediate next steps to ensure the organization stays proactive, connected, and effective in its work.

The collaborative spirit of the retreat emphasized the board’s deep commitment to protecting communities through evidence-based vaccination efforts, and Stubbs’ facilitation supported a productive conversation focused on strengthening strategy and alignment for the path ahead.

Louisiana Shots for Tots Annual Conference

Heather Brandt, PhD, director of the St. Jude HPV Cancer Prevention Program presented on HPV cancer elimination and served on a panel to discuss the current vaccination landscape at the Louisiana Shots for Tots conference in November in New Orleans. Vaccination champions from across the state joined together to focus on practical strategies for maintaining vaccination levels and accelerating progress in challenging times. One highlight of the conference was a session by the Up Guys who encouraged attendees to prioritize self-care and continue to stay the course with important disease prevention efforts.

Brandt joined Henry Hom and Sara Wales for a few photos in the photo booth during the baseball-themed conference.

Louisiana Virtual Roundtable on Protecting Vaccines

Join the Immunocompromised Collaborative and Louisiana Families for Vaccines on December 8 at 10 a.m. Central Time for a community conversation about vaccines, infectious diseases, and public health in Louisiana.

This roundtable creates space for honest, respectful dialogue among Louisianans with diverse perspectives on vaccination—whether a strong advocate, have questions, or fall somewhere in between.

What to expect:

Authentic Louisiana voices: Hear directly from families and community members whose lives have been touched by vaccine-preventable diseases.
Expert insights: Learn from health care professionals, educators, and community leaders about vaccine safety, efficacy, and public health strategies.
Open dialogue: Ask questions, share your experiences, and engage in meaningful conversation.
Community solutions: Explore practical approaches for building trust and understanding around vaccines in our local communities.
Collaborative action: Discover opportunities to work with state and local leaders to strengthen public health protections for all Louisianans.

Click here to register

Cervical Cancer Awareness Day at the Georgia State Capitol

The 11th Annual Georgia Cervical Cancer Awareness Day will be hosted on January 15, 2026. Join State Representative Stacey Evans, legislators, and other advocates at the Capitol for eliminating cervical cancer advocacy. A virtual option is also available, and you will receive the link upon registration. 1.0 CE will be offered for healthcare professionals. The live and in-person event will begin at 11:30 a.m. Eastern Time, while the virtual webinar will start at noon. If you have any questions, please contact triana_james@yahoo.com. Register here.

Louisiana Virtual Roundtable on Protecting Vaccines Webinar: Join the Immunocompromised Collaborative and Louisiana Families for Vaccines on December 8, at 10 a.m. Register here.
American Cancer Society 2025 Rural HPV Vaccination Learning Community Series. Wednesday, December 10, 1 – 2 p.m. Central Time. Register here.
OPERATION WIPE OUT: Wipe Out Cervical Cancer Summit, January 9, 2026
American Cancer Society National Roundtable on Cervical Cancer Self-collection Webinar Series, Preparing for HPV Self-collection Testing: Implementation, January 15, 2026. Register here.
Black Women and Cervical Cancer Virtual Webinar hosted by Cervivor, Inc. January 22, 2026 , 7 p.m. Eastern Time. Register here.
2026 Cervical Cancer Summit Powered By Cervivor, Inc.. January 23, 2026. Registration is open.
Tennessee Families for Vaccines 4th Annual Day on the Hill, January 27, 2026
Start at Age 9 and Other Best Practices Quarterly Case Study Meeting, January 29, 2026

"Blessed is the season which engages the whole world in a conspiracy of love." -- Hamilton Wright Mabie

December features a diverse range of global holidays including the Christian celebration of Christmas (December 25) and the Jewish festival of Hanukkah (a multi-day event starting December 14), the African American cultural holiday of Kwanzaa (starting December 26), and the Buddhist observance of Bodhi Day (December 8). Other notable December observances include the ancient winter solstice celebration of Yule (around December 21), the Catholic feast of the Immaculate Conception (December 8), and the traditional Mexican holiday of Las Posadas (starting December 16). And not to forget, the final day of the year on December 31. The HPV Cancer Prevention Program team shares what they celebrate in December in addition to wrapping up a successful year.

"I love decorating and going out to see all the beautiful decorations. I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, and we always have a great time cooking, eating, and watching Christmas movies together." – Pragya Gautam Poudel, postdoctoral fellow

"In December, I celebrate Christmas and the generosity, joy, and reflection it brings – a season that reminds me to give more than I receive and to focus on what truly matters: faith, family, and love shared with others." – Nicole Williams, program coordinator

"We have so many fun traditions I look forward to each year celebrating Christmas. The end of the year, in general, symbolizes family, gratitude, and a chance to prepare for a new start." – Samantha Wells, program coordinator

"My family and I celebrate Christmas, but the festivities don’t stop there; my mom’s birthday is just two days later. So every year, we roll straight from holiday cheer into "birthday mode." Let’s just say our hands are always full and our pockets are always empty by the time December is over, but we wouldn’t have it any other way." – Akeria Taylor, program coordinator

"My family celebrates Christmas, and I love the holidays because it brings the whole family together! I am especially looking forward to picking out a Christmas tree and decorating together while listening to classic holiday music." – Maddy McNee, program coordinator

"My family and I celebrate Christmas, and we love watching Christmas movies, spending time together, and reflecting on the year. This year, I’m especially grateful for the growth we’ve experienced as a family. I’m looking forward to making new memories and cherishing every moment together." – Portia Knowlton, program coordinator

"My family and I celebrate Christmas. This year we will experience the magic of a Disney Christmas for the first time." – Julia Brown, program manager

"December is filled with festive traditions—from holiday gatherings to seasonal celebrations that unite my family." – Ursula Leflore, senior administrative coordinator

"I celebrate Christmas with my family and closest friends, wearing our festive outfits, eating until we’re stuffed, and spending the day playing cards and board games. We always end the night reminiscing about sweet memories and reflecting on our greatest accomplishments. I’m grateful to be fortunate enough to make such memories." – Andrea Stubbs, administrative director

"I will celebrate any holiday at any time – December or other. While our home is Christmas on steroids, I value opportunities to learn about other cultural celebrations and participate fully." – Heather Brandt, director

Get Free St. Jude HPV Education Materials

The St. Jude HPV Cancer Prevention Program has created a series of HPV fact sheets that emphasize basic information about HPV vaccination and include action steps to prevent HPV cancers.

Four versions of the fact sheets target various audiences:

General public
Parents
Health care providers
Cancer patients and families
College students
Faith community

Select the versions in English or Spanish most appropriate for those you serve. Download the fact sheets or email PreventHPV@stjude.org to have copies mailed to you.

Access resources for childhood cancer survivors at stjude.org/SurvivorProud.

About St. Jude HPV Cancer Prevention Program

St. Jude Children's Research Hospital is leading the way the world understands, treats and cures childhood cancer and other life-threatening diseases. That’s why St. Jude is raising awareness on HPV vaccination, which can prevent six types of cancer caused by the virus. As the only NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center dedicated solely to children, St. Jude has an important role and responsibility in increasing the number of children who benefit from HPV vaccination and reduce their risk of preventable cancers later in life.

The St. Jude HPV Cancer Prevention Program envisions a world free of HPV cancers. Through education, promoting best practice models, and strategic partner engagement, its mission is to increase on-time HPV vaccination. On-time HPV vaccination by the 13th birthday provides safe, effective, and long-lasting protection against the most common types of HPV linked to cancers.

Learn more at stjude.org/HPV. Email PreventHPV@stjude.org with any questions.