NCCC Florida (Ft. Lauderdale)

Emma Rissman
Emma Rissman

About Emma Rissman

Emma is a fourth-year medical student originally from Sarasota, FL, and an aspiring OB/GYN with a passion for women’s health, preventive care, and patient advocacy. After witnessing family members undergo cancer treatment and experiencing her own cancer scare, she developed a personal commitment to increasing awareness of cervical cancer prevention and early detection.

As chapter lead of the National Cervical Cancer Coalition’s Fort Lauderdale chapter, Emma is dedicated to bridging the gap between medical knowledge and community understanding. Drawing on her clinical education and experiences, she strives to make complex health information accessible and approachable, helping individuals better understand their risks, preventive care options, and the importance of routine screening. Through community outreach and collaboration with local organizations, she hopes to reduce barriers to preventive care and empower individuals to make informed decisions and confidently advocate for their health.

About the Chapter

The Fort Lauderdale Chapter of the National Cervical Cancer Coalition is dedicated to raising awareness of HPV, cervical cancer prevention, and the importance of routine screening and early detection. Led by fourth-year medical student Emma, the chapter works to make preventive health education accessible, approachable, and relevant to the diverse communities of South Florida.

Through community outreach, educational events, health fairs, and partnerships with local organizations, the chapter connects individuals with reliable information and resources to help them make informed decisions about their health. Recent initiatives have included collaborating with local medical student organizations to provide HPV and cervical cancer prevention education alongside free community health screenings, helping connect underserved populations with valuable health information and resources.

By meeting people where they are and fostering a welcoming environment for education and discussion, the Fort Lauderdale Chapter strives to address misconceptions about HPV, promote vaccination and recommended cervical cancer screening, reduce barriers to preventive care, and empower individuals to advocate for themselves and their communities.