HEALing The Bronx: A grassroots model for cancer education, health equity, and community engagement through art and literacy

HEALing The Bronx is a community-driven initiative designed to address cancer disparities in the Bronx, where outcomes for lung, breast, colorectal, and prostate cancers are disproportionately poor compared to other regions of New York State. The program integrates arts, education, and advocacy to improve health literacy and empower residents. What began with two tree beds has grown to 24 educational tree beds, including four feature beds equipped with interactive QR codes and signage providing cancer prevention and screening information. The initiative also includes outdoor art libraries, blending literacy and creative expression to foster mental well-being and health awareness. Our first art library installation is complete, and our goal is to add two new libraries annually until all 24 Bronx zip codes are represented. HEALing The Bronx demonstrates how grassroots engagement, cultural relevance, and creative strategies can drive measurable impact in underserved communities. Future plans include expanding Care Within Our Reach community events to multiple Bronx neighborhoods, reaching over 1,500 residents in 2026, and increasing participation in screening and clinical trials. This poster will showcase the program's design, outcomes to date, and its potential as a scalable model for reducing cancer disparities through community empowerment.