[PA-27] The Breast Health Connection of Georgia
Diane Manheim, MSW, Breast Health Connection of Georgia, Atlanta, GA
Diane Manheim, Breast Health Connection of Georgia, 57 Executive Park South NE, Suite 200
Atlanta, Georgia, 30329, USA, Phone: 404.982.7520, Fax: 404.982.7591, dmanheim@gmcf.org
Problem: African American women have a lower incidence and higher rates of breast cancer mortality than do other women. Screening mammography is under-utilized by African American women. Older women are at highest risk for breast cancer, and those least likely to seek mammograms.
Methods: The Breast Health Connection of Georgia (BHCG) has facilitated the establishment of over 20 local committees made up of health providers, advocacy groups and congregational members to plan local breast health "kickoff programs." Each committee received sample tools, resources and materials to plan and conduct their Kickoff event, where local providers, mammography facilities, support groups, and advocates exhibited information about local services, resources and activities.
Results: In 2002, twenty-three different communities held Kickoff events, and 500 primarily African American congregations were represented at these events Kickoff event provide opportunities for local service providers and breast cancer organizations to interact and plan activities in their communities. Examples of these partnership activities include: training programs for the American Cancer Society "Tell A Friend" program, minority recruitment for clinical trials, and scheduling mobile mammography units to visit congregations.
Conclusion: The Kickoff model promotes collaboration between faith-based organizations and health organizations, and is a powerful way to link breast cancer programs, services and activities to minorities and under served populations. The establishment of local community partnerships enhances the ability of faith-based community volunteers to effectively integrate breast health programs in their congregations and link their members to access health screening and treatment services.
