Below is a piece written by Nadine Byers, a HealthCorps Navigator at the Community Health Center, Inc. serving in the Early Detection Program. She recently volunteered at an event titled “Ladies Night Out” at Middlesex Hospital in Middletown and commented on her experience.

I participated in my first big outreach event for the Early Detection Program (EDP) last week.  Together with Nicole Jarjura, Patient Navigator for the Colorectal Cancer EDP, and four of my lovely HealthCorps Navigator comrades, I attended the Ladies Night Out event at the Middlesex Hospital Cancer Care Center on October 11.

 Ladies Night Out is a new iteration of an annual breast health and wellness event for survivors, family members and any community members interested in learning more about early detection, breast health or cancer care.  Participants were pampered with free manicures, reflexology and massages.   There were also excellent refreshments, which the other Navigators and I sincerely enjoyed.  The hospital provided free mammograms to women who would normally be eligible for our Early Detection Program, leaving us with funds to reach more patients throughout the rest of the year.  The event featured a panel of specialists from Middlesex Hospital, including Dr. Andrea Malon, Dr. Diana Hull, Trish Hatin, RTR, and Meghan Burgess, NP, who answered patient and community members’ questions on early detection, types of breast cancer, prevention and care.

As representatives of Community Health Center, Inc. and the Early Detection Program, we spoke with around forty of the fifty-seven participating community members, including several who were interested in enrolling in our program.  We also advertised WISEWOMAN, the cardiovascular risk and intervention program run through EDP, through promotional giveaways and brochures.  Through WISEWOMAN, women ages 40-64 who are already enrolled in EDP can receive cardiovascular health screenings, education and lifestyle intervention to reduce their risk of cardiovascular disease.

It was great to get out in the community and talk to people about all of the wonderful programs running out of CHC.  Hopefully I will be doing more outreach soon!

On a similar note, keep a look out in the new few days for a follow up on today’s creative efforts by CHC staff members to wear pink and support Breast Cancer Awareness.