Lung Cancer 102: What CHWs and Communities Need to Know

Learning objectives for the training:

·  Understand the Basics of Lung Cancer Screening

Learn the purpose, eligibility criteria, and benefits of low-dose CT (LDCT) lung cancer screening, emphasizing how early detection improves outcomes—especially in high-risk populations.

·  Identify and Address Barriers to Screening in Underserved Communities

Explore common cultural, linguistic, and socioeconomic barriers that prevent access to lung cancer screening. Develop practical strategies to engage, educate, and empower diverse communities.

·  Support Patients Throughout the Screening Journey

Gain skills to guide individuals through the lung cancer screening process—from risk assessment and referrals to follow-up care and tobacco cessation—using culturally responsive and patient-centered approaches.

·  Recognize and Reduce Stigma Associated with Lung Cancer and Smoking

Understand how stigma related to smoking history, lung cancer diagnosis, and healthcare access can impact screening uptake. Learn techniques to foster trust, reduce judgment, and promote open, respectful conversations with patients.

·  Utilize Lung Cancer Awareness Month Resources for Community Engagement

Learn about new toolkits, resources, educational materials, and campaign assets designed for Lung Cancer Awareness Month. Understand how to incorporate these resources into outreach efforts to raise awareness, promote screening, and support public education in your community.

Speakers:

Veronica Venturini, MPH

Veronica Venturini is a highly accomplished professional with over 20 years of experience in the field of public health. As the Associate Director of Cancer Center Partnerships for the American Cancer Society (ACS) for the past eight years, Veronica has played a vital role in establishing collaborative partnerships between the ACS and esteemed cancer centers, hospital systems, and health plans across Arizona. Being Argentinian, Veronica brings a unique perspective and bilingual proficiency to her work, allowing her to bridge cultural and language gaps in the pursuit of improving cancer outcomes. Veronica holds a Master's degree in Public Health from the University of Illinois Chicago, further enhancing her expertise in the field. With her extensive background as a quality improvement coach, Veronica has consistently demonstrated a strong commitment to driving excellence in healthcare delivery and patient-centered care. In her spare time, Veronica enjoys hiking, passionately cheering for Chicago sports teams, and spending quality time with her two daughters.

Stacey Mortenson

Stacey Mortenson is a proven effective leader in the non-profit sector having spent twenty-five years impacting the mission work of nationally recognized organizations. Currently, she is the Division Vice President, Health Promotions, at the American Lung Association leading the Health Promotions team to successful grant acquisition and high-quality program delivery throughout the United States. She previously spent time working with collegiate women focusing on emerging leadership with Kappa Alpha Theta Foundation and fundraising with Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.

Stacey continued with her fundraising background at the American Lung Association, serving as the Arizona Executive Director for many years, overseeing Association operations, managing and leading staff members, generating revenue, and partnering with volunteer leaders. During that time, she recruited mission champions to raise more than $1 million through the Asthma Walk program. In recognition of the work, she received the Congress of Lung Association Staff Excellence in Financial Development Award in 2008.

In 2014, Stacey moved to the Health Promotions side of the work and focused on Arizona specific needs pertaining to Chronic Lower Respiratory Disease. In 2017 she received a National Staff Excellence Award for local impacts on lung health through health education and programming.

Stacey received a Bachelor of Business Administration degree from Texas Christian University with an emphasis in international marketing. While Stacey has extensively traveled around the country, she has found herself prone to the Southwest having lived in Colorado, Texas, and Arizona. When she is not focused on lung health, she is focused on family ( one great husband and three really cool kids), training the newest puppy in the house, serving at church, and attending all the sports practices and tournaments.