WASHINGTON — The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) has joined forces with Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. to launch a new collaboration targeting the stark racial disparities in blood cancer care that disproportionately impact Black Americans.
The initiative will roll out in cities across the country and focus on increasing awareness of blood cancers—especially multiple myeloma—while promoting clinical trial access, culturally competent care, and support for patients and caregivers.
The joint effort will include community health programming, virtual education, and grassroots outreach designed to empower Black families with the information and resources they need.
Blood cancer and Black Americans
Black Americans, particularly Black men, face some of the highest rates of myeloma in the U.S. Despite making up only a portion of the overall population, Black patients represent 21% of new myeloma cases each year. Yet research shows they often experience significant delays in treatment, face barriers to specialized care, and have fewer opportunities to participate in clinical trials.
“Black individuals often face unique challenges and barriers to care including younger age at diagnosis, higher hospitalization costs, significant delays from diagnosis to treatment, and limited access to specialized healthcare and resources,” said Bryon Daily, LLS’s National Senior Manager of Community Outreach for Myeloma Link. “By teaming up with Kappa Alpha Psi, we can educate and empower members about their health and care options.”
Kappa Alpha Psi teams up to tackle disparities
The partnership is rooted in a shared commitment to improving health outcomes through education and community leadership. Kappa Alpha Psi, a historically Black fraternity with chapters worldwide, brings deep community ties and a longstanding mission of service.
“The collaboration with the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society not only educates the membership of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Incorporated on the risk factors associated with multiple myeloma but stretches to the communities we serve,” said Antonio J. Martez, National Chairman of the fraternity’s Health Committee. “We are excited about this life-saving partnership.”
The effort will begin with a virtual “after-hours” Lunch & Learn for fraternity members, offering information on blood cancer symptoms, treatment options, and available resources. Later initiatives will include health fairs, educational forums, and local engagement efforts aimed at breaking down the stigma and silence often surrounding cancer in Black communities.
LLS, which has supported cancer patients for over 75 years, has intensified its focus on addressing racial health inequities in recent years. This partnership with Kappa Alpha Psi is one of several efforts to close the gap in cancer outcomes by building trust and sharing knowledge directly within underserved communities.
For more information, visit LLS.org or KappaAlphaPsi1911.com.
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