CREATE+CHANGE
FEBRUARY 2026

This month, in partnership with industry leaders, experts and influencers, we’re highlighting work that’s driving real change. First, we amplify the urgency and lifesaving potential of early lung cancer detection through “Saved by the Scan,” bringing survivor stories and clinical expertise to the national conversation. Next, new “Seize the Awkward” creative features trusted messengers to show how simple check-ins between friends can help support each other’s mental health journeys. We also sat down with the founder and CEO of Her Agenda to talk about building pathways to financial empowerment, and the Ad Council’s chief development officer shares takeaways from the World Economic Forum in Davos. Keep reading to see how we’re moving these critical conversations forward!

On World Cancer Day, A National Media Blitz to Encourage Early Detection

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths in the U.S.—yet only 18% of people at high risk have been screened. This past World Cancer Day, we partnered with the American Lung Association as part of our “Saved by the Scan” campaign to elevate the urgency—and life saving impact—of early detection. As part of our broadcast media tour, we centered trusted messengers, including survivor Donnita Butler and radiation oncologist and American Lung Association spokesperson Dr. Andrea McKee, to bring both lived experience and clinical expertise to the conversation. Their voices helped anchor a national media effort that reached 30 outlets—including major markets like New York, Boston and Washington, D.C., helping more people understand why early detection can save lives. For more, check out CNN’s coverage of how we’re addressing this critical issue.

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Designing Mental Health Messaging for Real World Conversations

When it comes to addressing mental health among young adults, one of the biggest barriers isn’t willingness, it’s knowing how to start. In the latest creative from our “Seize the Awkward” campaign, we focus on how simple, everyday check ins between friends can open the door to real connection without the pressure of a deep conversation. Partnering with viral creators Jade and Jadah, “Friend to Friend” shows what can happen when friends show up in a way that feels natural and honest. Check out the heartwarming creative today!

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Roundup:

- On the blog, our chief development officer, Jennifer Mamlet, explains how her time at the World Economic Forum in Davos reinforced a simple truth: collaboration is still our greatest asset.

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Also on the blog, our Champion for Good series features Rhonesha Byng, founder and CEO of Her Agenda, whose work advancing financial empowerment made her a key partner on our “Saving for Retirement” campaign with AARP.

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- Campaign Impact: Together with Opportunity@Work, our “Tear the Paper Ceiling" campaign is helping advance skills first hiring, with 95% of employers now saying the best place to build skills is on the job.

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