Collaborating for Change: How The Potter’s House and Mayo Clinic Empower Cancer Education

When a trusted community pillar collaborates with a world-renowned medical institution, the result is more than teamwork—it’s transformation. That’s exactly what’s happening at The Potter’s House International Ministries in Jacksonville, where a growing collaboration with Mayo Clinic is reshaping cancer education and outreach across multiple counties.

It all began in Fall 2024 with the launch of the Body and Soul program, an evidence-based initiative focused on improving health outcomes through education and engagement. For Lois Merrick, Church Coordinator at The Potter’s House, the program was a turning point.

“The educational information on how to improve our health really inspired us,” Merrick said. “We wanted to get involved, engage our congregation, and gain deeper insight from specialists, and of course, from Mayo Clinic.”

Since then, the collaboration has expanded to include Cancer Advocacy Training, the MICEO education review project, and outreach events that have reached more than 95 additional community members across three counties. These efforts have not only increased awareness around prostate and colorectal cancer but also strengthened the network of survivors and caregivers willing to share their stories through Cancer Conversations.

At the heart of this success is a shared commitment to bi-directional learning—where both the community and Mayo Clinic learn from each other.

“By having a strong pillar in the community, like a faith-based organization, and collaborating with Mayo Clinic, we’re able to reach beyond the walls of our congregation,” Merrick explained. “We can invite the community in, help them learn, empower them, and support them in applying that knowledge to improve their everyday health.”

This exchange of knowledge has proven invaluable. Community members bring lived experiences, questions, and insights that shape the outreach efforts. Merrick noted that during events, people often seek guidance after being affected by cancer, which helps identify gaps in education and opportunities for prevention.

“That kind of input helps us recognize areas where prevention is possible and where education can make a real difference,” she said.

The trust built through this collaboration has been transformative. Merrick emphasized that Mayo Clinic’s involvement lends credibility and sparks curiosity.

“It’s exciting to see how what we’ve learned can truly make a difference. People start asking, ‘What else can be done? What else can we learn? What more does Mayo Clinic have to offer?’”

Among the outcomes Merrick is most proud of are the lasting changes sparked by the Body and Soul program. Participants continue to use their fitness belts, cookbooks, and share new health discoveries with each other months after the sessions ended.

“To see the outcome of people taking initiative of their own health from what they've learned and didn’t just put it aside is what I’m most proud of,” she said. “They still remember! They still have their fitness belts, they’re still using their cookbook, and they’re still talking about new foods they’ve discovered.”

Her advice to other organizations looking to be a bridge between their communities and better health?

“Just dive in, just do it. Do the research, find out the credibility of the organization that you're collaborating with, get some feedback from the people who will be involved… and then move forward in action.”

The Potter’s House and Mayo Clinic have shown that when content meets influence, and when learning flows both ways, communities thrive. Their collaboration is a testament to what’s possible when trust, education, and shared purpose come together to serve a greater good.