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2026 Harkin on Wellness Symposium: The Treatment and Prevention of Cancer

March 11 @ 08:00 - 17:00
Free

Overview

Please join the Harkin Institute for Public Policy and Citizen Engagement for an important event highlighting the challenges we’re facing and the progress being made across the nation in the fight against cancer, with a specific focus on environmental health and lifestyle medicine. The 2026 Harkin on Wellness Symposium will take place on March 11, 2026, focusing on the Treatment and Prevention of Cancer.

This year’s theme was chosen to explore the comprehensive landscape of cancer care today—from the environmental determinants that impact our health to the lifestyle and clinical interventions saving lives. Clean water and a healthy environment are fundamental to public health, yet the emerging link between environmental pollutants and cancer remains a critical challenge for our communities. The 2026 symposium will feature two distinguished keynote speakers:

  • Dr. Ricardo Salvador, co-founder and board member of the HEAL (Health, Environment, Agriculture, Labor) Food Alliance
  • Dr. Jesse Bell, University of Nebraska Medical Center expert on nitrate pollution in drinking water.

In addition to our keynotes, the event will feature two panel discussions:

  • Where We’re At: The Battle Against Cancer in 2026: A comprehensive look at the current state of treatment and prevention.
  • Reporting on the Drinking Water and Cancer Crises in Iowa: A deep dive into the local environmental challenges and the role of journalism in public health.

This year’s event will also recognize the recipients of the Harkin on Wellness Award, honoring those who have made significant contributions to the prevention and treatment of cancer.

Attend In-Person or Online

This is a hybrid event. Attendees have the choice to attend in person at Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa, or virtually. Register here.

  • In-Person: The event will take place at Parents Hall in the Olmsted Center at Drake. Lunch will be provided.
  • Online: Attendees will watch a live stream of all general session content and will have the opportunity to participate in real-time Q&A.
  • Cost: There is no cost to attend in person or online, but a donation is encouraged and greatly appreciated to help continue this important work.

 

Agenda for the 2026 Harkin on Wellness Symposium

Time Session Speakers
9:00 a.m. Welcome Remarks
  • Adam Shriver, Director of Wellness and Nutrition Policy, The Harkin Institute
9:10 a.m. Morning Keynote
  • Introduction by U.S. Senator Tom Harkin (retired)
  • Dr. Ricardo Salvador, co-founder and board member of the HEAL (Health, Environment, Agriculture, Labor) Food Alliance
10:00 a.m. Break
10:10 a.m. Panel 1: Where We’re At: The Battle Against Cancer in 2026
  • Moderated by Drake University Provost Dr. Sue Mattison
  • Dr. Richard Deming, Medical Director of MercyOne Richard Deming Cancer Center and Oncologist
  • Joe Garcia, Aflac Regional Vice President for the Northwest Region
  • Dr. Greg Kennedy, UnityPoint Health Chief Medical Officer – Oncology Service Line
  • Jean McGinnis, Physician Assistant-Certified, clinician and educator
11:30 a.m. Lunch
12:20 p.m. Afternoon Keynote
  • Introduction by Audrey Tran Lam, University of Northern Iowa Environmental Health Program Director
  • Dr. Jesse Bell, University of Nebraska Medical Center expert on nitrate pollution in drinking water
1:10 p.m. Break
1:20 p.m. Designee Presentations
  • John Stoddard Cancer Center | Meals That Matter and Meals That Matter at Home
  • Above + Beyond Cancer
  • Faces of Courage Foundation
  • Cancer Screen Iowa
  • Helen G Nassif Community Cancer Center
  • Iowa Cancer Consortium
  • Cancer and Environment Network of Southwestern Pennsylvania (CEN) – Project REACH & The Environmental Justice Summit Series
  • OurWaters & OurSoils (OWOS) – Integrated Nutrient, Organic Load, and Environmental Exposure Reduction Program for Cancer Prevention
  • Polk County Health Department – Ribbons of Hope
  • Blueprint, LLC (operating as BlueprintNav)
2:30 p.m. Break
2:40 p.m. Panel 2: Reporting on the Drinking Water and Cancer Crises in Iowa
  • Moderated by Jason Clayworth, staff writer at Axios Des Moines
  • Nina B. Elkadi, Editor-at-Large for Sentient Media
  • Carey Gillam, Managing Editor of The New Lede and contributor for the Guardian
  • Dan Keating, staff writer at The Washington Post
4:00 p.m. An update on the Cancer and Environmental Risk Factors Report in collaboration with the Iowa Environmental Council
  • The Iowa Environmental Council
4:30 p.m. Closing Remarks

Accommodations

  • ASL & Captions: American Sign Language (ASL) and live captions in English will be available for all general session content for all attendees.
  • Breakout Sessions: ASL interpretation for in-person breakout sessions is available upon request.
  • Contact: If you have any questions regarding accommodations, please contact us at harkininstitute@drake.edu or 515-271-3623.

Parking

  • In-person attendees will be able to park in Lot 24, located next to the Tom and Ruth Harkin Center.
  • Detailed information regarding a visitor parking pass will be emailed to all registered in-person attendees prior to the event date.

Details

Organizer

Venue

  • The Olmsted Center at Drake University
  • 2875 University Avenue
    Des Moines, IA 50311 United States     + Google Map