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Current Projects

Breast Cancer Innovation Research

In September 2024, the Wright Family Institute for Global and Population Health at the University of West Florida (UWF) received a generous grant of $895,905 from Governor Ron DeSantis and First Lady Casey DeSantis to support important cancer research. This funding is part of a larger effort known as the Cancer Innovation Research Fund, which has set aside $20 million for researchers throughout Florida. The goal of this grant is to improve access to breast cancer screenings for women living in rural areas of Northwest Florida and the Big Bend region, which is essential for better community health.

Dr. Justice Mbizo, a part of the Wright Family Institute and a professor of the University of West Florida Department of Public Health, will lead this important project. Dr. Mbizo explained, “We will be actively engaging with the community to raise awareness about breast cancer, encourage more screenings, and promote early treatment options. Our goal is to improve the health and well-being of women in our state.”

This project will create and share resources to help women understand breast cancer screening and to assist them with reducing risk factors that put them at a greater chance of developing breast cancer, such as smoking. Health and wellness workshops will be held in rural communities throughout the Florida Panhandle, and mobile vans will provide breast cancer screenings right where people live. This initiative is part of a larger partnership called the Northwest Florida Public Health Collaborative to Reduce Breast Cancer Disparities, which includes other universities like Florida A&M, the University of Miami, and the University of Florida.

The research aims for meaningful results in the long run, such as lowering rates of breast cancer, getting more women to participate in screenings, improving survival rates, reducing smoking among women, and helping breast cancer survivors live longer, healthier lives. This initiative shows the commitment of the Wright Family Institute to build healthier communities and tackle important public health issues.

To read more about this grant, please visit the UWF Newsroom.

All of Us Journey mobile lab with students and NIH employees

All of Us Research Program at UWF

From October 22 to October 25, 2024, the University of West Florida in Pensacola, FL will host the All of Us Journey, a traveling educational exhibit that brings the National Institutes of Health's All of Us Research Program to communities across the United States. The Journey features interactive activities, videos, games, quizzes, and more—all designed to demonstrate the power of participation in health research. Interested attendees will learn how they can help shape the future of health for themselves, their families, and their communities for generations to come. Attendees will also have the opportunity to register for the All of Us Research Program during their visit.

WHAT:
Pensacola, FL is one stop on the All of Us Journey’s national tour. The public are invited to attend and learn how they can help change the future of health as participants in the All of Us Research Program.

WHEN:
Tuesday, October 22 to Friday, October 25, 2024
10 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day

WHERE:
University of West Florida
11000 University Parkway
Pensacola, FL 32514

HOW:
Come aboard this traveling educational exhibit to learn how you can help shape the future of health for yourself, your family, your community, and generations to come. Visit JoinAllofUs.org/tour to learn more and enroll in the All of Us Research Program in advance. Once enrolled, you can schedule an appointment to conveniently provide your biosamples at the All of Us Journey at the University of West Florida by calling 833.990.0200.