Jill Horner speaks with Barbara E. Jackson, RN, President and Founder, Central Pennsylvania Coalition United to Fight Cancer (www.catalystpa.org) about its 20th Anniversary in 2016 and annual Loving Souls and Sweethearts cancer education workshop scheduled for February 5 & 6, 2016. Follow on Facebook.com/Central-Pennsylvania-Coalition-United-to-Fight-Cancer-CATALYST.
Recorded on January 12, 2016.

OUR FOUNDER: Barbara E. Jackson, RN 

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Currently serves as President and is Founder of the Central Pennsylvania Coalition United to Fight Cancer, CATALYST; a community based organization focused on health education for minorities, which began in South Central Pennsylvania 19 years ago.

She received her nursing credentials from The Sharon General Hospital School of Nursing, Sharon, Pennsylvania. Mrs. Jackson is a Licensed Registered Nurse in Pennsylvania and has previously been licensed in South Carolina, California, and Rhode Island.

For the past 35 years, she has served and continues to serve in many volunteer capacities in church and community settings. She has also served as a presenter in both areas.

Mrs. Jackson served as a volunteer with the Dauphin County Area Agency on Aging for over ten years and as a volunteer, coordinated “Senior Independence Day.” This program was recognized nationally and received an award for the Agency under the then Director, the late Mr. Lou Crippen.

She served as a member of the Pennsylvania Cancer Control, Prevention and Research Advisory Board, Former Member of the Volunteer Leadership Council of the America Cancer Society and the Past President of the Goodwin Memorial Baptist Church Deaconess Ministry, Harrisburg, PA.

She was married to the Late Deacon George W. Jackson and they have five children, two son-in-laws, ten grandchildren and six great grandchildren.

Mrs. Jackson enjoys praying, singing, cooking (especially at holiday times), and helping others.

Her favorite saying is “To God Be the Glory”.

What she would like you to know most of all is that she loves the Lord; she is His child and that she counts it a privilege to serve Him by serving others!
Mrs. Jackson has received the following awards and recognitions:
  • 2013 Recipient of a Certificate of Appreciation presented from the People’s Community Baptist Church and Reverend Ruby N. Thames at the 10th Pastoral Anniversary Celebration in Harrisburg, PA.
  • 2012 Recipient of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Distinguished Citizenship Award: “Black Woman in American Culture and History” February 2012.
  • 2012 Chosen as a recipient of the “Woman Making History Makeover Contest” New York City sponsored by Indique Hair and radio personality Kaye Foxx, March 2012
  • 2011 Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Epsilon Sigma Omega Chapter
  • 2011 Jefferson Award Nominee
  • 2011 Anchor Award Recipient
  • 2009 Nominee Champions of Diversity Award, Institute for Cultural Partnerships 
  • 2008 Physical & Mental Health Award Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Harrisburg Alumnae Chapter
  • NAACP President’s 2007 Image Award
  • 2007 Heritage Award, the Urban Connection of the Capital Region Harrisburg Division Personal Preference 
  • 2006 Citation of Appreciation from Blue Mountain Chapter, American Business Women’s Association
  • Runner-Up for the American Cancer Society Nurse of Hope Program
  • The American Cancer Society Volunteer Leadership Award
  • The Department of Health Award for Excellence
  • Twenty one year American Cancer Society Volunteer
  • Special Recognition Resolution from the Office of City Council Harrisburg, PA for Community Service
  • Community Contest Winner in the "Sisters: Take Charge of Your Health Program” sponsored by Highmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield
  • Recognition Award from the PA Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics, Early Childhood Education Linkage System Program