Lutheran Family Health Centers’ main site in Sunset Park and local Avon representatives held a special beauty and cancer awareness workshop to educate area women about cancer screening and early detection.
Lutheran’s new and innovative strategy combines the outreach efforts of its cancer awareness group with Brooklyn’s growing team of local Avon representatives. “This is a great partnership,” says Evelyn Garcia, an Avon sales representative who attended the workshop. “When women come to my store for products I can provide them with information about free screenings offered at Lutheran and how important it is to have yearly check-ups.”
Cancer survivor and event attendee, Noelia Vendrell, knows first hand the importance of early detection. “I am living proof how important it is for women to get screened,” she says. “Women shouldn’t be afraid to stand up and take charge of their health by seeking help.” Six years ago, Vendrell, who will turn 63 this month, discovered she had early stage breast cancer through a routine mammogram. She’s been an advocate for cancer awareness ever since.
“Breast cancer is not the death sentence it used to be and we’re working hard to keep it that way,” says Larry K. McReynolds, executive director, Lutheran Family Health Centers. “Early detection is the best protection for our community. With our new partners serving as Lutheran Avon Ambassadors, we can reach out to, and encourage, even more women to get regular screenings.”
The Lutheran Family Health Centers (LFHC) opened a new breast cancer screening suite funded in part from a $250,000 grant from the Avon Breast Cancer Crusade. The Avon Foundation’s support has allowed LFHC to expand services to breast cancer patients with little or no medical coverage.
Cancer screening is the first defense against cancer. Screening tests may include self-examinations, physical examinations by a health professional, X-rays or laboratory tests.
The new cancer screening suite is located at the Sunset Park Family Health Center, 150 55th Street. Free or reduced cost breast and cervical cancer screenings are provided to women who are uninsured or underinsured and have low income.
To make an appointment, call 718-630-6953.
