Atlanta, GA — The Hispanic Health Coalition of Georgia (HHCGA) is proud to announce that Executive Director Shirley E. “Bella” Borghi, together with colleagues Grace Snuggs, Jana Mastrogiovanni, Triana Arnold James, and Amy Baldwin, has co-authored a research abstract accepted for presentation at the 37th Annual International Papillomavirus Conference (IPVS 2025), to be held October 23–26, 2025, in Bangkok, Thailand. This achievement places Georgia’s community-based approach to cervical-cancer prevention on a global stage, underscoring Borghi’s continued leadership in health education and outreach across underserved populations.
The accepted research, Abstract #692, “Georgia’s 8th Annual Cervical Cancer Awareness Day,” documents the success of a statewide effort led by HHCGA and its partners to increase HPV vaccination, screening, and awareness through culturally informed engagement. The findings will appear alongside studies from leading international institutions advancing the elimination of HPV-related diseases.
Held annually, IPVS 2025 convenes scientists, clinicians, and public-health leaders to share research on HPV prevention, screening, and treatment. Its theme, “Research Toward the Global Elimination of HPV-Related Diseases and Cancers,” mirrors the mission behind HHCGA’s ongoing work in Georgia.
The abstract draws on outcomes from Georgia’s 8th Annual Cervical Cancer Awareness Day (CCAD)—a flagship event organized through the Georgia Cancer Control Consortium (GC3) HPV Cancer Free Workgroup. The initiative responds to pressing realities: cervical-cancer rates in Georgia remain higher than the national average, while HPV vaccination rates lag behind both U.S. and global benchmarks.
Each co-author brought distinct expertise in community health, nursing, and advocacy to analyze engagement, learning outcomes, and behavioral intentions among attendees. The study also honors the tenth anniversary of the Susan Jolley Awareness Program, founded by Triana Arnold James in memory of a friend lost to cervical cancer.
Findings from the 8th Annual CCAD demonstrate the measurable reach of the program:
Through these results, the event reinforced the link between education, clinical practice, and community advocacy, creating a replicable model for other regions.
Participant feedback highlighted the balance between clinical data and personal testimony. Survivors’ stories fostered emotional engagement and reinforced preventive behaviors. Attendees also expressed interest in emerging technologies such as self-sampling kits for Pap testing, illustrating growing readiness to adopt innovations that expand access to care.
This international selection builds on Borghi’s recent distinction as Georgia’s 2025 AIM Immunization Champion, awarded by the Association of Immunization Managers (AIM) in collaboration with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The honor acknowledges her commitment to vaccine access and education across Georgia’s multicultural communities.
HHCGA’s participation in this research exemplifies the organization’s long-term approach: connecting public-health policy, education, and community trust. The coalition’s success demonstrates that sustainable change in cervical-cancer outcomes arises from collaboration among healthcare professionals, policymakers, and local advocates.
By presenting at IPVS 2025, Borghi and her co-authors will share Georgia’s model for mobilizing communities around prevention and early detection. Their work illustrates how inclusive partnerships can translate global scientific goals into actionable, community-level programs.
The study affirms a central truth of public health: when education, screening, and vaccination converge, preventable cancers can be eliminated. HHCGA’s leadership continues to transform this principle into practice, inspiring both national and international counterparts.
About HHCGA
The Hispanic Health Coalition of Georgia is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the health and well-being of Hispanic and other underserved communities through education, advocacy, and access to care. For over three decades, HHCGA has provided free immunizations, chronic-illness screenings, and culturally relevant health education programs across Georgia.
About IPVS 2025
The 37th Annual Conference of the International Papillomavirus Society will be held October 23–26, 2025, in Bangkok, Thailand. The event serves as the premier global forum for exchanging HPV-related research and best practices. More information is available at https://ipvconference.org.
Hashtags: #HHCGA #GC3 #HPVCancerFreeGeorgia
FAQ's Learn how community engagement and research are shaping HPV prevention efforts in Georgia
Q1. What is the International Papillomavirus Conference (IPVS 2025)?
A. IPVS 2025 is the leading international conference on HPV-related research, held October 23–26, 2025, in Bangkok, Thailand.
Q2. Who is Shirley “Bella” Borghi?
A. Shirley E. “Bella” Borghi is the Executive Director of HHCGA, recognized for her leadership in health education, vaccine access, and community health initiatives.
Q3. What research was accepted for presentation?
A. The study “Georgia’s 8th Annual Cervical Cancer Awareness Day” highlights innovative, community-led strategies for HPV vaccination and screening.
Q4. Why is this research significant?
A. It documents Georgia’s success in reducing barriers to HPV prevention through bilingual education, advocacy, and cross-sector partnerships.
Q5. How did the event achieve measurable outcomes?
A. Over 95% of participants reported learning new HPV vaccination strategies, and 98% rated the event as high quality.
Q6. Which organizations collaborated on the abstract?
A. Co-authors include Grace Snuggs, Jana Mastrogiovanni, Triana Arnold James, and Amy Baldwin, working alongside HHCGA and GC3’s HPV Cancer Free Workgroup.
Q7. What future initiatives stem from this recognition?
A. HHCGA and its partners plan to expand cervical-cancer prevention programs and strengthen vaccination outreach across Georgia.
Q8. How can Georgians get involved?
A. Visit www.hhcga.org to learn about local health fairs, screenings, and volunteer opportunities.
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