The RCDC Of Somerset And Morris Counties Recognize Breast Cancer Awareness Month

According to the Somerset County Freeholders

Somerset County Freeholder Patricia L. Walsh joined Zufall Health Center in Somerville (formerly Women’s Health & Counseling Center) and the Regional Chronic Disease Coalition of Somerset and Morris Counties (RCDC) to kick off the 11th Annual Breast Cancer Awareness Month today on the steps of the historic courthouse on East Main Street.

“Through breast cancer awareness campaigns like this one, the word is getting out that early detection is key,” said Freeholder Walsh. “Here in Somerset County, the incidence rate for female breast cancer is higher than the national level, which makes the campaign all the more personal for our county, for me as a woman and as someone in the health care profession.”

“We have to do a better job of getting our loved ones to take action,” she said. “This month and every month, let’s do our best to encourage those we love to eat healthy foods, avoid activities that promote cancer, engage in physical activity and, of course, go for clinical breast exams and annual mammograms after age 40.”

Participants wore pink clothing or accessories in recognition of people affected by breast cancer. The pink ribbon is an international symbol of breast cancer awareness. Visitors to Somerville will see pink bows adorning Main Street throughout the month of October, placed by breast cancer survivors and dedicated volunteers from partner organizations.

Chief Operating Officer Frances Palm of the Zufall Health Center in Somerville officiated. Freeholder Walsh presented a proclamation recognizing October as National Breast Cancer Awareness Month and spoke about the importance of prevention and early detection. Dr. Kathleen Toomey, a board certified hematologist and oncologist at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Somerset, addressed the importance of early detection and the latest improvements in treatment. Several members of the RCDC of Somerset and Morris Counties spoke with participants and provided literature and valuable resources.

Zufall Health is the lead agency in Somerset County for this early detection cancer- screening program. Screening is available for low-income individuals without insurance. For an appointment and access to screenings, call (908) 526-2335, ext.118. The New Jersey Cancer Education & Early Detection (CEED) program and the RCDC of Somerset and Morris Counties are partners.

Zufall Health is an award-winning, federally funded community health center that has been providing high-quality, affordable medical and dental treatment to the working poor, uninsured and underserved for 24 years. Nearly 21,000 patients are served at its headquarters in Dover as well as medical and/or dental offices in Morristown, Hackettstown, Flemington, Somerville and West Orange and on its Highlands Health Van. For more information, visit www.zufallhealth.org

The RCDC is made possible by a grant from the New Jersey Department of Health, Office of Cancer Control and Prevention to the Somerset County Public Health & Safety Department.

For more information and a listing of programs throughout the counties, to join the Coalition or learn more about available educational and screening resources, contactRCDC Public Health Coordinator Lucille Y-Talbot at (908) 203-6077 orytalbot@co.somerset.nj.us.

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