Just like Open Door Medical Family Medical Centers, which we featured in a recent blog post, EXCELth Primary Care Network, in New Orleans, is working to increase the city’s breast cancer screening rates and address the unequal burden of breast cancer within the community thanks to a $50,000 grant from the National Football League (NFL) and the American Cancer Society (ACS).

“These crucial grants help provide additional health resources to increase access to care for women in need,” said Sheila Webb, Ph.D., APRN, CNS, EXCELth’s associate clinical director. “Our hope is that by raising breast cancer awareness it will result in women taking action in positive health behaviors with annual exams and screenings and adopting lifestyle behaviors overall.”

EXCELth was one of 32 grant recipients to receive funds to implement strategies to address the unequal burden of breast cancer in communities across the country through the NFL’s A Crucial Catch initiative and the American Cancer Society’s Community Health Advocates implementing National Grants for Empowerment (CHANGE) grant program.

The primary care network’s efforts kicked off with “A Crucial Catch Day – Your Day to Fight Breast Cancer” on Oct. 13. The free event featured free breast health education, clinical breast exams, and referrals for mammograms, and also family-friendly activities for participants of all ages.

Visit EXCELth’s website for more information on upcoming breast cancer events.

As Breast Cancer Awareness Month winds down, we know health centers are fighting breast cancer year-round. Continue to share your initiatives with us and we could write about them on the blog.