On the Path to Prevention

Grateful for HPV Vaccination
Updates on the Current Vaccination Landscape
National Rural Health Day is November 20
Kids Aren't Thinking about HPV: Reviewing the Impact of the National Public Awareness Campaign
Recap of Close-Knit, Far-Reaching: Harnessing the Strengths of Rural Communities to Prevent HPV Cancers Through HPV Vaccination
Improving Rural HPV Vaccination Coverage
Wide Open Spaces: Accelerating Our Impact: Introducing Revised Priority Actions to Improve Rural HPV Vaccination Coverage
HPV Vaccination Roundtable of the Southeast
Celebrating the World Cervical Cancer Elimination Day
Cancer Survivor Story: Courage and Advocacy in Action
Partner Spotlight: American Indian Cancer Foundation
Recap of the 2025 International Cancer Education Conference
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

Grateful for HPV Vaccination

In this season of gratitude and always, the St. Jude HPV Cancer Prevention Program is grateful for HPV vaccination. While uptake in the U.S. has been slower than ideal and many children remain unprotected, we are already seeing the benefits of HPV vaccination among those who have been vaccinated and even those who have not. As we gather with family and friends, our conversations about vaccination matter. There are guides, such as "How to Talk about Vaccines (Even When it Isn’t Easy)" from Tennessee Families for Vaccines and "How to talk about Vaccines without Ruining the Holidays" coming up on November 12 from Voices for Vaccines, to help us serve as trusted messengers and advocates. "What are you most worried about?", "What is your major concern?", "Can I tell you about how well HPV vaccination works?", and more are important conversation starters with family members.

As always, a lot of great activities are happening in November. Here are a few highlights.

November is National Native American Heritage Month. This month’s partner spotlight focuses on the American Indian Cancer Foundation.
National Rural Health Day is November 20. Join us for the release of updated rural HPV vaccination priority actions and learn more about how we are celebrating rural in this newsletter.
World Cervical Cancer Elimination Day is November 17. On November 18 from 10 a.m. – noon Central Time, join us for seminar focused on HPV cancer elimination. Learn more about HPV cancer elimination efforts at stjude.org/southeast-elimination.
The HPV Vaccination Roundtable of the Southeast will host the Start at Age 9 and Other Best Practices Quarterly Case Study Meeting on November 20 from , 2 – 3:15 p.m. Central Time. Register here.

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

Updates on the Current Vaccination Landscape

Nearly two decades after its approval, HPV vaccination remains one of the most effective tools for preventing HPV cancers, yet the U.S. vaccination landscape continues to face challenges. This section of the Path to Prevention newsletter will focus on providing updates on the current vaccination landscape.

With the Federal government shutdown, there has been significantly less action related to HPV vaccination and other vaccines over the last month from a regulatory perspective. However, it is respiratory virus season, so the push for seasonal flu, COVID-19, and RSV vaccines is underway.

The 37th Annual Meeting of the International Papillomavirus Society (IPVS) was held on October 23-26 in Bangkok, Thailand. Key themes included the role of artificial intelligence and big data in HPV research, prevention, and treatment, as well as advancements in public health initiatives, HPV vaccine research, and the fight against HPV cancers. The conference theme centered on elimination, which was highlighted throughout scientific presentations. In addition, for the first time ever, there was a pre-conference workshop on implementation science, which was very popular and provided much-needed training.

In addition, also at the IPVS meeting, due to decisions made by the U.S. government to withdraw from Gavi, funding for vaccinations globally will suffer and result in fewer doses available. Similarly, there are concordant effects on cervical cancer screening with changes to U.S. funding. The America First Global Health Strategy, which was released in September 2025, is not yet fully understood from an implementation standpoint. There seems to be less focus on vaccination and screening in this plan than in previous efforts, such as the Quad Countries Moonshot Initiative. When the Federal government reopens, there may be additional insight into short- and long-term implications. We know some global partners may depend on U.S. support as they work to become self-sufficient and stable in funding health-related programs. These changes are part of our current reality and will require innovation and collaboration to overcome.

Prior to the IPVS meeting, The Foundation for AIDS Research (amfAR) in partnership with the HIV and HPV Coalition for Cancer Prevention (H2C) released a brief on the cost of terminated NIH grants. This information on terminating research grants also was a source of much discussion at the meeting. As of mid-October, $6.7M had been terminated for HPV vaccination research and an additional $4.6M for HPV cancer research. NIH grant funding is critical to invest in science to generate new and improved information on which to base our actions. This will continue to be monitored.

National Rural Health Day is November 20

In the St. Jude HPV Cancer Prevention Program, we know that strong rural communities are essential to advancing cancer prevention and ensuring every person—no matter where they live—has access to life-saving vaccinations and health care.

Each year, the third Thursday of November is designated National Rural Health Day (NRHD), this year it will be celebrated on November 20. Established by the National Organization of State Offices of Rural Health (NOSORH) in 2011, NRHD celebrates the Power of Rural—the resilience, innovation, and connection that define rural communities—while drawing attention to the unique health care challenges faced by the more than 60 million Americans who call rural areas home.

This year’s main event, "Connected and Protected: The Power of Rural Cybersecurity," highlights the growing importance of digital infrastructure in ensuring rural communities can access, deliver, and safeguard quality healthcare. This session is designed for rural health providers and partners dedicated to strengthening cybersecurity across rural communities. Hear from a panel of experts from the Home - CLTC UC Berkeley Center for Long-Term Cybersecurity, Dakota State University, Google, and Madison Regional Health System as they discuss real-world stories of cybersecurity collaboration and innovation in rural communities. Discover strategies to build resilience against evolving cyber threats and protecting the people and systems that power rural health. Register here.

As we celebrate the Power of Rural, we honor the people and partnerships driving rural health forward—and recommit to prevention, protection, and progress for all communities. Read more in this edition of the Path to Prevention newsletter to learn more about the St. Jude HPV Cancer Prevention Program’s efforts to prevent HPV cancers with rural communities.

Kids Aren't Thinking about HPV: Reviewing the Impact of the National Public Awareness Campaign

The Kids Aren’t Thinking about HPV national public awareness campaign was developed, implemented, and evaluated in summer 2024 and summer 2025 during the back-to-school season. The campaign concept focuses on the importance of parents making the decision today to protect their children for tomorrow. Kids are daydreaming about what is happening in their lives today and asking many questions, not about HPV. The national public awareness campaign embraces this simple yet powerful truth: Kids are not thinking about HPV vaccination and that is why parents need to. Choosing HPV vaccination can lead to an HPV cancer-free future for children. There is urgency in the decision making to optimize protection against HPV cancers in adulthood.

The Kids Aren’t Thinking about HPV national public awareness campaign successfully drove those exposed to the campaign through a wide-range of channels to the campaign landing page at stjude.org/PreventHPV, increasing engagement with HPV vaccination resources and establishing St. Jude as a leading organization working towards a future that is HPV cancer-free.

Here are selected examples of the impact of the campaign. Evaluation data are for June 2024-September 2025, except as noted.

Recap of Close-Knit, Far-Reaching: Harnessing the Strengths of Rural Communities to Prevent HPV Cancers through HPV Vaccination

Rural America is not a single story—it is diverse in geography, culture, and experience. The October installment of the Empowering and Strengthening Community, Culture, and Connection to Prevent HPV Cancers seminar series, explored this rural intersectionality and how overlapping factors such as place, identity, and access shape opportunities for HPV cancer prevention.

Jason Semprini, PhD, presented findings from a recent study, Evaluating Intersectional Variation of HPV-Associated Cancers in Rural America, revealing significant variation in cancer incidence across race, sex, geography, and poverty levels in rural areas of the United States. Marquita Lewis, PhD, MPH, MS, expanded on the theme of rural intersectionality through the lens of community engagement, emphasizing that "community is rural’s superpower" and that authentic partnerships and shared leadership are essential to meaningful progress to ensure HPV prevention strategies, including vaccination reflect rural realities. Ehsan Abdalla, DVM, PhD, MSc, concluded by sharing evidence from her recent project in Alabama demonstrating how community-based outreach and education can reduce the HPV cancer burden in underserved rural areas when prevention, innovation, and trust-building work hand in hand. Together, the speakers highlighted that advancing HPV vaccination and cancer prevention requires collaboration grounded in the lived realities of diverse rural communities.

This seminar was the sixth in our ongoing Empowering and Strengthening Community, Culture, and Connection to Prevent HPV Cancers series, which has spotlighted HPV vaccination gaps and opportunities across diverse populations. Previous seminar recordings and presentation slides are linked below. Most seminars have been accompanied by a fact sheet developed to inform, engage, and empower communities in advancing HPV cancer prevention and where available, these are also linked.

October 16, 2025: Close-Knit, Far-Reaching-Harnessing the Strengths of Rural Communities to Prevent HPV Cancers Through HPV Vaccination recording and presentation slides will be posted soon and fact sheet

June 24, 2025: From Prevention to Protection: Closing Gaps in HPV Vaccination and HPV Cancers in LGBTQ+ Communities recording and presentation slides

February 20, 2025: Addressing HPV Vaccination Inequities and HPV Cancer Disparities in African American and Black Communities recording, presentation slides, and fact sheet

November 6, 2024: Empowering American Indian and Alaska Native Communities

Bridging Gaps in HPV Vaccination and Cancer Prevention recording, presentation slides, and fact sheet

October 2, 2024: Vacunación Sin Barreras - Addressing HPV Vaccination Inequities and HPV Cancer Disparities in Hispanic and Latino Communities recording, presentation slides, and fact sheet

May 14, 2024: Understanding HPV Vaccination and HPV Cancer Disparities among Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders recording, presentation slides, and fact sheet

Improving Rural HPV Vaccination Coverage

Revised Rural HPV Vaccination Priority Actions to Be Released on National Rural Health Day on November 20

Over the past six months, the St. Jude HPV Cancer Prevention Program with subject matter experts has refined the Rural HPV Vaccination Priority Actions to better reflect today’s realities and strengthen impact across rural communities. You can read more about the revised priority actions here in this month’s Wide Open Spaces article. The revised priority actions reflect St. Jude’s continued commitment to ensuring every rural community benefits from the life-saving potential of HPV vaccination and to guiding collective progress toward HPV cancer elimination in the years ahead.

Wide Open Spaces:
Supporting HPV Vaccination with Rural Communities

Accelerating Our Impact:
Introducing Revised Priority Actions to
Improve Rural HPV Vaccination Coverage

Nearly two years after introducing priority actions to increase HPV vaccination coverage with rural communities, a lot has changed in the rural health landscape. However, HPV cancer prevention opportunities with rural communities remain. Beginning in April 2025, the St. Jude HPV Cancer Prevention Program assessed the progress of each original priority action to improve HPV vaccination coverage with rural communities. The Program also engaged with a group of national rural HPV cancer subject matter experts to revisit the original priority actions. After thoughtful consideration of progress, new opportunities, and the current conditions, we are pleased to release revised priority actions to improve HPV vaccination coverage with rural communities.

Implement Best Practices: Use best practices and evidence-based interventions to increase HPV vaccination

Build Capacity: Strengthen health care provider and professionals’ training and support systems change

Preserve and Expand Data Resources: Leverage existing data and bolster data assets to guide informed actions

Foster Partnerships for Progress: Build alliances and cultivate collaborations for collective impact

Monitor Context: Scan the rural health landscape for new challenges and opportunities

We believe these revised priority actions will catalyze efforts and optimize impact because our delays mean fewer people protected against HPV cancers in rural communities.

Join us on National Rural Health Day on November 20 from noon to 1:15 p.m. Central Time to learn more about the revised priority actions and how you can get involved. Register here.

Read more about the revised priority actions to improve rural HPV vaccination coverage here.

Learn more about preventing HPV cancers with rural communities here.

About the Authors: The St. Jude HPV Cancer Prevention Program collaborated with subject matter experts to revisit the original priority actions for improving rural HPV vaccination and revise the priority actions to accelerate impact. Special thanks to contributing subject matter experts Trisha Amboree, PhD, Natoshia Askelson, PhD, Gabriel Benavidez, PhD, Deanna Kepka, PhD, Ashley Lach, Jason Semprini, PhD, Christina Turpin, Whitney Zahnd, PhD in addition to St. Jude team members Heather Brandt, PhD, Julia Brown, and Nicole Williams.

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.

Throughout the rest of the year, the Southeast Roundtable will continue promotion of several exciting opportunities for the rest of the year, including:

November-December

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
Celebrating Global Cervical Cancer Elimination Day of Action Elimination of HPV Cancers in the Southeast U.S., November 18, 10 a.m. – noon Central Time. Register here.
Start at Age 9 and Other Best Practices Quarterly Case Study Meeting, November 20, 2 – 3:15 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 materials will be available soon to promote HPV vaccination through the lens of the Southeast region.

Check out this sneak peek of Phase 2 materials.

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 November 19, 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. Based on an informal needs assessment conducted in 2024, the Call to Action provides a first look into current HPV cancer elimination planning efforts, key priorities and considerations, and next steps for developing a state-level elimination plan. This resource is designed to be the first steppingstone in your path to success towards developing an elimination plan. An elimination toolkit is available by request; it is designed to be used alongside the Call to Action as practical guidance for the development process of state-level elimination plans. Access the Call to Action and other elimination materials and request access to the Toolkit 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.

In addition, we will host a seminar on World Cervical Cancer Elimination Day on November 18 from 10 a.m. – noon Central Time. Register here.

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. Join us for the next quarterly case study meeting to be held on Thursday, November 20, 2025, 2 – 3:15 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.

The implementation team is moving forward with creating a curriculum for medical trainees to help improve their understanding of HPV vaccination and how to give a strong provider recommendation that includes initiation at age 9. Through evaluation of curriculum implementation and knowledge of medical trainees, this pilot curriculum will then be adapted for other medical institutions to implement as part of their training.

The implementation team is also looking forward to sharing a new information and resource guide, including case studies on starting HPV vaccination at age 9, information about vaccination hesitancy, survivor perspectives, and more. We look forward to sharing this resource in upcoming communications, to support public health organizations across the Southeast.

Celebrating the World Cervical Cancer Elimination Day, November 18

November 17 marks the fifth year since the launch of the Global Strategy to accelerate the elimination of cervical cancer as a public health problem. Each year since, November 17 has been celebrated as the Global Cervical Cancer Day of Action to bring together people and partners across the globe to collaboratively advance cervical cancer elimination efforts. In May 2025, the World Health Assembly designated November 17 as World Cervical Cancer Elimination Day, which will be celebrated for the first time in 2025. This year’s theme is "Act Now: Eliminate Cervical Cancer".

In the spirit of the theme, the elimination implementation team will host a seminar to convene leaders working on elimination efforts throughout the Southeast. Participants will be able to learn what has been done up to this point in several states from the Southeast region, and how they can model these efforts to promote elimination of HPV cancers in their own states. Join us for this seminar on November 18 from 10 a.m. – noon Central Time. Register here.

Are you planning efforts for World Cervical Cancer Elimination Day? If so, share your plans here to help connect, track, and amplify, activities worldwide.

Learn more about eliminating HPV cancers, starting with cervical cancer as a public health concern here.

Cancer Survivor Story:
Courage and Advocacy in Action

As we celebrate National Rural Health Day this month, we are honored to share the story of a cervical cancer survivor whose journey reminds us why prevention matters—and why access to HPV vaccination is so critical. Raised in a small rural town in Southeast Louisiana, Laquisha Thompson faced the shock of a cervical cancer diagnosis in early 2023 while thriving in her career. With determination and support, she navigated treatment and emerged committed to empowering others.

Meet our featured HPV cancer survivor below and join us in amplifying the call to action: make HPV vaccination a routine part of growing up, no matter where you live.

Laquisha Thompson is a resilient and compassionate woman from Southeast Louisiana who faced cervical cancer head-on in early 2023. With a deep love for uplifting others and a passion for personal growth, she describes herself as brave, intuitive, and committed to helping people live authentically.

Laquisha’s cervical cancer diagnosis came during a thriving time in her career, bringing fear and uncertainty. But with the support of her mother and a close friend, she leaned into her strength and faced treatment with determination. "I reminded myself I was brave—even when scared," she shares. The experience was disorienting, but her resolve never wavered. "As I went through treatment, all I knew is that I had to get through it. I [knew] that I could do a hard thing [treatment]."

Her mother, a vital emotional support throughout her cancer journey, still lives in the small rural town in Southeast Louisiana where Laquisha grew up. While the distance made it difficult for her to be physically present during treatment, her love and encouragement, even sometimes from afar, remained constant. On this National Rural Health Day, her story reminds us how geography can impact access to care and caregiving and highlights the importance of strengthening support systems for people navigating a difficult cancer diagnosis and treatment.

Since her diagnosis, Laquisha has become a vocal advocate for HPV cancer prevention, educating friends and community members about cervical cancer symptoms and the importance of regular screenings. After recently attending Cervivor’s Communities of Color Retreat in New Orleans, Louisiana, she’s now incorporating HPV vaccination awareness into her outreach. Her message to others is clear: "If you’re 45 or younger and haven’t received the HPV vaccine, it’s not too late. And if you’re a parent, please consider protecting your children."

Laquisha wants people to know, "We are braver than we sometimes think or feel, stay on top of your health, and always love yourself."

Partner Spotlight:

American Indian Cancer Foundation

The American Indian Cancer Foundation (AICAF) is deeply committed to eliminating the cancer burdens faced by Native communities. One of their key efforts focuses on preventing HPV cancers through their Screen Our Circle screening program. This program addresses the alarming cervical cancer disparities affecting American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) women, who experience an incidence rate of 11.7 per 100,000, nearly double that of white women in the U.S.

At AICAF, they recognize the unique challenges Native people face in both rural and urban areas, including limited access to healthcare, transportation barriers, provider shortages, and systemic inequities. These issues often delay prevention and early detection, deepening existing disparities. Through culturally grounded educational resources and community-based outreach, they work alongside partners to support and strengthen the health of Native communities wherever they are.

AICAF is grounded in Indigenous values and cultural strengths. They use storytelling, traditional teachings, and community-led dialogue to encourage HPV vaccination and cervical cancer screening. Rather than centering fear or stigma, our messaging is rooted in wellness, healing, and the power of intergenerational protection as a way of prevention and early detection. They believe that when individuals act, whether by getting vaccinated or screened, they do so not only for their own health, but for the wellbeing of their families and communities.

As we celebrate Native American Heritage Month, AICAF is reminded of the resilience and wisdom within their culture. Indigenous traditions emphasize the responsibility to protect future generations. This value aligns naturally with cancer prevention. Through culturally tailored resources, trusted messaging, and community-driven events, we create spaces that uplift voices and affirm the importance of HPV vaccination and cervical cancer screening as an act of love and responsibility.

To parents, caregivers, and community leaders: HPV vaccination is cancer prevention. The vaccination is a safe, effective way to protect American Indian children from several types of cancer later in life. By starting the HPV vaccination series as early as age 9, American Indian youth have the best chance at a healthy future. AICAF encourages community members to talk to their child’s healthcare provider, ask questions, and learn about community resources that honor values and traditions. Together, we can keep our circles strong and healthy for generations to come. AICAF and the St. Jude HPV Cancer Prevention Program are partnering to promote HPV vaccination with American Indian communities by expanding access to resources and information through the Turquoise Thursday Cervical Cancer Awareness 2025 Campaign Toolkit the Empowering and Strengthening Community, Culture and Connection to Prevent HPV Cancers Fact Sheet for American Indian and Alaska Native Communities, and other resources.

Learn more about AICAF here.

2025 International Cancer Education Conference

The 2025 International Cancer Education Conference was held October 7–10 at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee. Co-organized by the American Association for Cancer Education (AACE) and the European Association for Cancer Education (EACE), the conference was designed to meet the evolving needs of oncology professionals who educate patients and communities as part of their practice. This year’s conference emphasized the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in cancer education, the importance of combating misinformation, and the value of fostering international partnerships. Sessions also highlighted the role of family-centered care and comprehensive support throughout the cancer journey.

Members of the St. Jude HPV Cancer Prevention Program were selected to share their expertise through both oral and poster presentations, focusing on effective strategies and regional campaign efforts to increase HPV vaccination rates. Highlights included the HPV Vaccination Roundtable of the Southeast , the Survivor Proud Campaign, Preventing HPV Cancers with Rural Communities , and local community initiatives such as back-to-school immunization drives and the Memphis and Shelby County HPV Cancer Prevention Roundtable.

Unity Consortium Announces Bold Commitment to Empower Teen Vaccine Ambassadors at Clinton Global Initiative Meeting

In September, Unity Consortium announced the launch of its new Trusted Teen CommUNITY program. This ambitious initiative seeks to educate and mobilize 10,000 Teen CommUNITY Leaders (TCLs) across the country to serve as trusted health ambassadors—sharing lifesaving, science-based health and vaccine information within their communities. The announcement was made as a Clinton Global Initiative (CGI) Commitment to Action at the CGI Annual Meeting in New York. Unity Consortium’s engagement at CGI underscores its unwavering dedication to stopping preventable diseases and building healthier, more resilient communities through youth empowerment and trusted communication. For more information, visit Unity at https://unity4teenvax.org and follow on Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, and YouTube, and like on Facebook.

Touchdown for Health: Alabama OPERATION WIPE OUT Takes the Win!

September and October mark an exciting season of high school football and homecoming celebrations. On Friday, October 3, Valley High School’s HOSA chapter joined the festivities by featuring OPERATION WIPE OUT in the homecoming parade. Their float, themed "OPERATION WIPE OUT the Aggies!", cheered on the Valley Rams as they faced Sylacauga—and they proudly earned 1st place for Best Club Float!

Beyond the football spirit, this event highlighted how students are becoming true health champions within their community. By raising awareness that cervical cancer can be prevented through HPV vaccination, screening, and follow-up care, these student leaders are proving that eliminating cervical cancer is possible when schools and communities unite.

Click here to view the OPERATION WIPE OUT Quarterly Newsletter and learn more about all the great things happening across Alabama.

Alabama OPERATION WIPE OUT Cervical Cancer Summit: Save the Date

OPERATION WIPE OUT will hold the Wipe Out Cervical Cancer Summit on January 9, 2026. Hosted by USA Health Mitchell Cancer Institute, the Alabama Department of Public Health, and the University of Alabama at Birmingham, this inspiring event will bring together leaders, advocates, researchers, and community partners—all united in one goal: to wipe out cervical cancer. Stay tuned—registration details are coming soon! Click here to learn more.

Patient Advocacy Retreat for Communities of Color, Powered by Cervivor

Cervivor hosted its Patient Advocacy Retreat for Communities of Color on October 17 in New Orleans, Louisiana, bringing together survivors and advocates dedicated to raising awareness about cervical cancer and the potential for elimination through HPV vaccination, cervical cancer screening, and cervical cancer diagnosis and treatment in underrepresented and underinsured communities. In collaboration with the Louisiana Cancer Prevention and Control Programs, and other partners, attendees strengthened their advocacy skills and concluded the weekend by putting their training into action—supporting a community event where self-collection tests were used to screen 25 individuals for cervical cancer at no cost.

Virginia HPV Immunization Task Force presents Engaging Dental Professionals to Address the Rise in Oropharyngeal Cancers, November 13

The Virginia HPV Immunization Task Force will host Sharon J. Perlman, DDS, MPH, LLC at its upcoming virtual quarterly meeting on November 13 from 10-11 a.m. Eastern Time to discuss strategies for partnering with the dental community as trusted messengers in HPV cancer prevention. The meeting is open to Cancer Action Coalition of Virginia (CACV) members, and anyone interested in learning more about this topic. Email hpv-va@cancercoalitionofvirginia.org for more information and to register.

West Virginia Immunization Network Motivational Interviewing Training, November 18 and 19

Partners with the West Virginia Immunization Network will be holding two training sessions on Motivational Interviewing in-person on November 18 in Morgantown, West Virginia and November 19 in Charleston, West Virginia. The deadline to register is November 11. Emily Messerli with the Association of Immunization Managers will lead the training. For more information and to register, click here.

Seventh Annual Pediatric Advanced Practice Provider Conference in Memphis, Tennessee, November 13-14

The Seventh Annual Pediatric Advanced Practice Provider Conference will take place on November 13-14 in Memphis, Tennessee and is hosted by Le Bonheur Children's Hospital, the University of Tennessee Health Science Center College of Nursing, and the Blues City Chapter of the National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners. This one-of-a-kind conference is specifically tailored for nurse practitioners and physician assistants who care for pediatric patients. Current and evolving topics in pediatric health care will be covered, with an emphasis on new innovations and evidence-based care. Register here.

Tennessee Families for Vaccines 4th Annual Day on the Hill, January 27, 2026

Each year, Tennessee Families for Vaccines brings their passion for public health straight to the heart of state government with their annual Day on the Hill. The 2026 event will take place on January 27 at 9:30 a.m. CST in Nashville, Tennessee. This special morning at the Tennessee State Capitol gives will give participants the opportunity to meet and share coffee with state legislators, gain insight into how Tennessee’s government operates, and even explore the Capitol through a live Operation Outbreak simulation. The Day on the Hill will serve as an opportunity for families to stand up for strong, pro-vaccine policies and demonstrate their ongoing commitment to the health of every Tennessean. Register here.

"The real gift of gratitude is that the more grateful you are, the more present you become." – Robert Holden

Reflections of gratitude in November often include practicing mindfulness with a gratitude journal, remembering past hardships to appreciate current blessings, sharing appreciation with loved ones, and reflecting on the year's experiences and lessons learned. This month is known as National Gratitude Month, emphasizing a time to intentionally cultivate thankfulness amidst the holiday season's focus on family and reflection. Members of the HPV Cancer Prevention Program share reflections of gratitude this month.

"I’m so grateful for good health—body, mind, and spirit, and for the incredible circle of friends, family, colleagues, and public health partners who surround me with respect, encouragement, and genuine care. Their support fills my work and life with meaning." – Andrea Stubbs, administrative director

"Gratitude reminds me to pause and honor the purpose behind the pace, to see the meaning in my work and life, not just the milestones." – Nicole Williams, program coordinator

"I’m grateful for every day that gives me the chance to be 1% better." – Akeria Taylor, program coordinator

"I am thankful for a year filled with learning, growth, and meaningful experiences that have strengthened my sense of gratitude. I am grateful for the personal and professional growth I have experienced, the moments that brought joy, the challenges that provided opportunities for improvement, and the continued support of my mentors, friends, and family." – Pragya Gautam Poudel, postdoctoral fellow

"I recently purchased a gratitude journal. Each day, I fill in daily affirmations, what I am grateful for, my priorities, and what I am looking forward to. At the end of the day, I reflect on what could have gone better, what I learned about myself and others, and what I look forward to for the next day. Journaling has really helped to put things into perspective. I have so much to be grateful for." – Julia Brown, program manager

"I’m grateful for my family today and every day. Their love keeps me grounded and my heart full." – Ursula Leflore, senior administrative coordinator

"I recently saw a video of a creator sharing morning affirmations, including giving thanks for being on the ‘wake up today list’ for yet another day. This has really stuck with me, as sometimes it is truly the simplest things, like waking up, that we take for granted. During this month of gratitude, I hope to be mindful in noticing these little things in my days and spending meaningful time with those who make me feel loved and cared for." – Maddy McNee, program coordinator

"Gratitude is essential for your overall peace of mind. As an overthinker, replacing those overwhelming thoughts with gratitude and appreciation has helped provide me with the perfect balance. We need to be more present in the moment and reflect on how far we have come while extending that grace to those around us." – Samantha Wells, program coordinator

"Over the years, I’ve learned that living in the present is essential, because today’s moments will soon become the past, and I don’t want to live with regrets. Cherish and love your family and friends while you still have time. I’m deeply grateful for my village of loved ones." – Portia Knowlton, program coordinator

"I am grateful for the opportunity to direct the HPV Cancer Prevention Program and work at a place like St. Jude where I find inspiration at every turn. I am grateful for a team focused on our vision – a world free of HPV cancers." – 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.