Wednesday, October 8, 2014

Local Impact: Pink Has Become the Color of Hope in Southeast Kansas

Since early detection is so important for survivorship, finding that five counties in southeast Kansas have around 42% of women over 40 reporting they had not had a mammogram in the past 12 months was a red flag for Komen Kansas. By reaching out to partner with the Crawford County Health Department, a grant from Komen Kansas provides funding for local breast cancer support groups, assistance in reducing the financial barriers preventing women from having their annual mammogram, and breast cancer awareness events such as the annual breast cancer awareness candlelight vigil.

“This is the 15th year that Early Detection Works and the Susan G. Komen Kansas have gotten together for this event,” said Shelly Hipfl, southeast Kansas regional nurse for Early Detection Works. She said that the event is designed to raise awareness about breast cancer, celebrate the women who are living with the disease and remember those who are gone.

“Pink has become the color of hope,” said Kelly York, Early Detection Works southeast Kansas regional outreach coordinator.

Fear is one of the biggest things cancer provokes. So courage comes into play for those with breast cancer. It takes courage to take the step to be diagnosed. It takes courage to get out of bed each morning, courage to come in for treatment time after time.  It takes courage to survive.

So by reaching out through events such as health fairs, working with the local high schools, awareness events, support groups, and giving assistance to those in need; Komen's partnership with the Crawford County Health Department is assisting the courageous women of southeast Kansas with the support needed to improve their breast health.

The Crawford County Health Department strives to provide optimal community health services throughout the lifespan with special emphasis on the prevention of disease and the education of persons in their care. For more information on breast health events and screening call 620-231-5411 or visit http://www.crawfordcountykansas.org/cco.nsf/web/Health-Department
 
       
              
 

No comments:

Post a Comment