Healthy Living Newsletter
Community Supports Breast Cancer Awareness
From pink hair extensions offered at Oasis Hair Company and the unveiling of breast cancer survivor portraits by Rose Norton, to teas and luncheons held throughout the area, community residents, breast cancer survivors, and organizations banned together throughout the month of October to raise breast cancer awareness.
In addition to providing screening and educational materials, many organizations and businesses stepped forward to provide financial support to the Mercy Pink Ribbon Fund.
Mercy’s Pink Ribbon Fund provides financial support to women throughout the area who lack health insurance and the financial resources to pay for their care; and are in need of advanced breast cancer diagnostic screening services after receiving a positive mammogram.
“Although the final figures aren’t in,” comments Homeria McDonald, MD, Chair of the Mercy Hospital Foundation, “the support from individuals, businesses and organizations in elevating the awareness of local women in need has been tremendous.
“Through its mission and values, Mercy Hospital is dedicated to helping the poor and underserved, and in this high-tech world, that can be very expensive,” continues Dr. McDonald. “This fund is used to provide the very best care to those who desperately need it and have no where else to turn.
“We are so grateful to businesses in the community that step forward and want to share in our work to raise awareness and funds,” she continues. “Mercy’s commitment to Community Benefit and giving back to those in need is very important.”
In 2006, Mercy Hospital reported more than $9.8 million in Community Benefit, with more than $4.6 million directly to the Ministry for the Poor and Underserved.
“Examples of services to the poor and underserved include such programs as the reduced-cost mammogram service provided through Mercy Regional Cancer Center in October,” concludes Dr. McDonald.
For more information about Mercy’s Community Benefit Ministry, go to the Mercy Hospital Foundation section of this website, or call (810) 985-1675.
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