Discover the inspiring journey of Dr. Erin Bailey, whose personal experiences and family history with breast cancer have fueled her relentless advocacy and transformative work in community health education. Hear her recount the pivotal moments that led her from volunteer advocacy with the Witness Project of Madison to her influential role as the Associate Director for Community Engaged Research at the University of Wisconsin-Madison's CRISP program. Dr. Bailey’s narrative is a testament to the power of personal passion in reducing cancer disparities, especially among Black women.

Dive into the innovative tactics Dr. Bailey and her team have developed to make cancer education accessible and relatable for all communities. From the creation of culturally relevant curricula for rural and African-American populations to the essential role of health literacy, Dr. Bailey shares valuable insights on adapting medical information to be actionable and understandable. Learn about the collaborative efforts in Adams County and the importance of visual representation in health materials, ensuring that every community can benefit from early prevention strategies and informed cancer screening practices.

Lastly, we tackle the broader implications of community engagement in cancer prevention, discussing the historical mistrust in the medical system among Black communities and the vital role of allyship in fostering health equity. Dr. Bailey emphasizes the importance of fair compensation for community members’ contributions and the need for more community-based researchers. Through stories of resilience and hope, this episode underscores the necessity of building supportive pathways for students from disenfranchised backgrounds, empowering the next generation of advocates and change-makers. Join us for an episode filled with heartfelt stories, practical advice, and a call to action for positive change in the face of adversity.