Our Share in the Fight

Services:

• Assistance [case management]
• Counseling Services [Survivor’s Connection]
• Information Services
• Material Development
• Presentations and Workshops
• Referral Services
• Spiritual Wellbeing

Program Accomplishments:

• Dissemination of more than 20,000 pieces of literature on breast health and breast cancers;
• Attendance of over 3000 people at our annual breast forum [2000-2011];
• 7.3% of a total of 4200 women were screened during biennial health fairs;  4.6% percent required further testing;
• A total of fifty (50) qualified specialists spoke at our annual conference;
• Memorandum of Understanding [MOU] with GSCC [Groupe de Support Contre le Cancer] to assist and provide escort services to newly-diagnosed women coming from Haiti.

In October 2010, EMG Health Communications marked the 10th year anniversary of the Breast Health Program with a celebration of music, songs and unspoken words of hope.  The selected theme was “Sisters, How Are We Doing?” This gathering attracted more than 300 people, including previous conference participants, survivors, former speakers, physicians, colleagues and friends.

Our staff keeps abreast of the latest findings on newly researched drugs for the treatment of breast cancer. Each year, ED and staff travel to Washington, DCand meet with Representatives on the Hill.  As advocates for minority women, they follow up on the status of new health care bills submitted to Congress.

Focus on vulnerable populations and educate:
Young Women and Men:

• on HIV/AIDS including HIV transmission and prevention
• on improving their physical and mental abilities through healthy behaviors and practices
• on available community resources and supportive programs
• on respect and value clarification

Partner with and educate:
The Faith-Based Community Leaders:

• to become familiar with HIV/AIDS prevention and help understand HIV disease
• to learn how to provide culturally appropriate HIV information and services to church members
• to increase awareness and understanding of specific strategies and programs to addresses HIV/AIDS
• to organize open discussions on how faith communities can support those affected by HIV/AIDS
• to introduce this group to the Capacity-Skill Building concept for their ministry

AIDS Program Faith-Based Committee:
Enable community leaders:

• to have ownership
• to network with representatives from different faith communities and community-based organizations
• to bring more people together to share knowledge and experiences

Targeting the older adult population, the BEEHC program provides information, advice and resources to help reduce major risk factors associated with chronic ailments. Since its creation in 1999, this bi-monthly program reaches out to men and women ages 55 and over. There is no criteria for attending. This is a public forum where everyone regardless of color, creed, religion and sexual orientation is welcomed. Health care specialists and other field professionals are often guest speakers at this forum.

Started in 2001, this program has aimed at increasing the parenting skills and capacities of parents and caregivers with the goal of improving the health outcomes of their children. So far, this program has consisted of sixteen weeks of instruction. The Different Types of Parenting, Discipline, Parental Negotiation Skills, Conflict Resolution have been among some of the topics of discussion. The program has provided free assistance to families with professional staff readily accessible.