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EDUCATE:
October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month: Get ready for it now by requesting FREE educational materials to share with your networks through faith-based organizations, community events, health fairs, local businesses, etc. We have Pink Ribbon Cards and Breast Health Basics Brochures available free of charge. Each pink ribbon is attached to a bilingual card with information about breast health - in English and Spanish. The brochures include information about breast cancer in the United States and Virginia and facts for both women and men about risk factors, symptoms, screening, and lifestyle choices in one concise handout. Both handouts give information about the VA Department of Health's Every Woman's Life program.
Newly Diagnosed Resources: VBCF has recently updated our online and print Newly Diagnosed Materials. The focus is to provide local and state community resource connections and information about support groups, financial assistance, patient navigators, clinical trials, lifestyle product vendors and more. Please check it out and pass it on to those who would benefit!
CVBCC Survivorship Conference: The Central Virginia Breast Cancer Coalition and other local cancer organizations are proud to present The Survivorship Journey: Embracing Your New Normal - a conference for survivors of all types of cancer and their caregivers. Attendees to this FREE conference will learn about helpful topics to include Understanding Emotions, Genetics and Risk Assessment, Dealing with the Financial and Legal Impact of Cancer, Diet and Nutrition, the Role of the Immune System in Cancer, and Let's Get Moving! (an interactive physical activity session). There will also be a special break-out session dedicated to the needs and care of caregivers. Conference takes place November 1, 9am-3pm at Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens. Register today!
Becky's Place at RAM: In July volunteers taught hundreds of people over two days at the annual Becky's Place educational tent in conjunction with the Remote Area Medical program in Wise, VA. Classes included the topics of breast, ovarian, and cervical cancers as well as male cancers and classes on diabetes and tobacco cessation. A huge thank you to all who make Becky's Place and RAM such a success!
Annual Library Grant Program: VBCF recently awarded funds to Massunutten Regional Library and Suffolk Public Library as part of our annual Library Grant Program. This program allows libraries to purchase breast cancer books, periodicals, DVDs, etc. to support women and their families in the community. VBCF's Peninsula Chapter also recently awarded funds to the Poquoson Public Library. VBCF has provided more than $55,000 in funds to local Virginia libraries since 2000.
ADVOCATE:
Kohlenberg Award Nominations due Aug. 31: the Sharon H. Kohlenberg Healthcare Service Award was established in 1995 to recognize Virginians employed in the healthcare field who "exhibit a deep and abiding commitment to the fight against breast cancer." The award honors the memory of Sherry Kohlenberg, a healthcare administrator and co-founder of VBCF, who died from breast cancer in 1993. The purpose of the award is to recognize healthcare professionals who go above and beyond what is normally expected of a competent, caring professional working with Virginians affected by breast cancer. Nominate a provider now!
Stay Tuned for State Action on Medicaid Expansion: Governor Terry McAuliffe will receive proposals from his Cabinet on Sept. 1st and will then decide whether to take unilateral action to accept federal dollars to expand Medicaid coverage to Virginians in need since the General Assembly blocked Medicaid expansion. To learn more about this issue, read a recent Robert Wood Johnson Foundation/Urban Institute report: What Is the Result of States Not Expanding Medicaid?
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