Posts by Jon Steen

UAB’s Peer Wellness Ambassadors and high school students from Chambers County are spearheading a powerful movement to eliminate cervical cancer in Alabama. The BhamNow article highlights how these dedicated students are raising awareness about HPV vaccination, screening, and follow-up care through OPERATION WIPE OUT. According to Dr. Isabel Scarinci, Vice-Chair for Global and Rural Health…

Future healthcare professionals at UAB are taking action against Alabama’s high cervical cancer rates through the OPERATION WIPE OUT Peer Wellness Ambassador program. These dedicated students are bringing critical information about HPV vaccination, screening, and follow-up care to communities across the state. Their grassroots approach demonstrates how education and outreach can help eliminate cervical cancer…

Dr. Isabel Scarinci (UAB) and Ms. Linda Hayes (ADPH) represented OPERATION WIPE OUT at the CERVIVOR 2025 Cervical Cancer Summit, January 23-26, 2025, in Washington, DC. Cervivor is a global community of patient advocates who inspire and empower those affected by cervical cancer by educating and motivating them to use their voices to create awareness…

As new cervical cancer cases rise nationally, Alabama leads with OPERATION WIPE OUT – a collaborative effort uniting healthcare providers and leaders to eliminate cervical cancer through vaccination, screening, and treatment. Read CBS42’s coverage https://www.cbs42.com/news/community-leaders-work-to-lower-preventable-cancer-in-alabama/

Dr. Isabel Scarinci, a key leader of Alabama’s OPERATION WIPE OUT, received distinguished recognition from Rotary District 6860 for her exceptional contributions to disease prevention and public health. The award was presented by Mark Maloney, former Rotary International President and current Chair of the Rotary International Board of Trustees, at a ceremony in Florence, Alabama.…

OPERATION WIPE OUT was invited to present their efforts at the 36th International Papillomavirus Conference in November 2024. The inaugural HPV Awareness Program session focused on innovative strategies to address the needs of underserved communities in cancer care, with a particular emphasis on HPV vaccination, screening, and cervical cancer prevention. During the session, speakers and…

As an infant in a small Brazilian town, now Birmingham resident Dr. Isabel Scarinci was diagnosed with polio. She received the first vaccine dose, but her pediatrician recommended that she hold off on completing the vaccine series due to a separate illness. The polio epidemic occurred, and she was infected with the virus. Dr. Scarinci…

Cervical cancer can be stopped, and Isabel Scarinci intends to deliver the knockout blow in Alabama. Link to article

This week, Alabama’s statewide effort to end cervical cancer as a public health problem was spotlighted in a powerful piece in the Wall Street Journal. Link to article

Chambers County has the highest rate of cervical cancer in Alabama. HPV vaccination safely and effectively prevents almost all cervical cancers. Tim Vine – President and CEO of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama and LaFayette High School graduate – recorded this special message promoting a program organized by Valley and LaFayette High Schools…