Innovative “SDM Circles” program integrates restorative justice practices to address medical mistrust and improve lung cancer screening among Black communities 

WASHINGTON, DC – February 12, 2026 – GO2 for Lung Cancer (GO2) has received support from AstraZeneca US through its 2025 Accelerate Change Together (ACT) on Health Equity: National Strategic Collaborations for Integrating Restorative Practices to Enhance Shared Decision-Making and Uptake of Lung Cancer Screening Among Black Community Members, or SDM Circles. 

The awarded initiative pilots an innovative, community-engaged approach to lung cancer screening that embeds restorative justice practices into shared decision-making conversations. The program is designed to address long-standing disparities in lung cancer screening access and outcomes driven by systemic racism, structural inequities, and medical mistrust. 

Led by GO2, in partnership with healthcare systems across the Seattle and greater Puget Sound region, the initiative centers on trust-building, dialogue, and culturally responsive education. Through facilitated SDM Circles, the program creates space for healing, shared understanding, and empowerment during required screening discussions, aiming to increase knowledge, readiness, and uptake of lung cancer screening among Black community members. Findings from this pilot will inform a scalable, equity-driven model that could improve early lung cancer detection nationwide.  

Although Black Americans have a lower incidence of lung cancer compared to White Americans, they experience significantly lower 5-year survival rates, and lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer-related death among Black Americans. 

“For too long, conversations about lung cancer screening have failed to account for the lived experiences, historical trauma, and systemic barriers faced by Black communities,” said GO2’s Chief Healthcare Delivery Officer Joelle Fathi, DNP, RN, ARNP, CTTS, FAANP, FAAN. “By integrating restorative justice into shared decision-making, this program meets people where they are, rebuilds trust, and creates space for honest dialogue. This funding allows us to pilot a model that doesn’t just improve screening rates but also has the potential to transform how healthcare systems engage underserved communities in meaningful, lasting ways.” 

As part of ACT on Health Equity, AstraZeneca US is working to improve access, affordability, and outcomes for all people in the disease areas and communities it serves. This contribution stems from AstraZeneca US’s commitment to advancing health equity and fostering a healthy society and people by focusing on eliminating disparities in care. Funding will support community engagement, facilitate restorative SDM sessions, and conduct evaluations to assess feasibility, acceptability, and early outcomes, laying the groundwork for a scalable model that advances equitable, culturally responsive lung cancer screening. 

Through ACT on Health Equity, AstraZeneca US has provided $18 million in contributions to over 160 nonprofit organizations across the country dedicated to advancing health equity by supporting community-based programming that prioritizes the social, cultural, and linguistic needs of communities that have experienced barriers to care and opportunity.