Ashley LeBlanc ’17, Oncology Nurse and Passionate Advocate

With over 15 years of experience in the health care field, Ashley LeBlanc is currently working at Mercy Medical Center, Trinity Health of New England, as the nursing director of the lung cancer screening program and as a nurse navigator for thoracic surgery. 

LeBlanc manages Mercy’s lung cancer screening program where she provides hope to her patients every day. Her leadership has resulted in many lives saved through this screening program.   

Seeing a lack of lung cancer continuing education opportunities for providers in western Massachusetts, Ashley requested that the American Lung Association and leaders at Mercy meet to discuss how to bridge this gap. As a result, the American Lung Association’s LUNG FORCE Education Event in Springfield, Massachusetts was created. This event is in its third year and aims to provide up-to-date research, guidelines, and information to providers each spring through continuing medical education. Ashley serves as the nurse planner for this event as well as the LUNG FORCE Expo in East Hartford, Connecticut.  The East Hartford Expo is designed for patients, caregivers, and health care providers to learn more about the latest trends, resources, and research on lung cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and asthma.  

Ashley’s commitment to screening goes beyond her responsibilities as a nurse. She is committed to making lung cancer screenings accessible to community members, regardless of financial status. She coordinates and plans an annual fundraiser for Mercy Medical Center’s lung cancer screening program, which ensures that those who cannot afford screenings have access to scholarship opportunities. This is something she is truly passionate about. 

She serves on Mercy’s patient safety council, cancer committee, community benefits committee, is co-chair of the lung cancer screening committee, and is secretary of Mercy’s Nurse Quality Council. Additionally, she is actively involved with the Council for a Tobacco Free Springfield and the Massachusetts Comprehensive Cancer Prevention and Control Network Lung Cancer Screening Collaborative. She earned her bachelor’s degree in nursing from Westfield State University. 

Read more here.