Breast Cancer Coalition partners with church for health fair
The Delaware Breast Cancer Coalition hosted the ¡VIDA! Multicultural Health Fair March 21 at the Multi-Cultural Church and Community Center in Milford, offering free health screenings and information for all ages and races.
The event featured free breast cancer screenings; blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar tests; and about 20 vendors including health insurance providers, state health agencies and healthcare providers.
Volunteers also distributed free food donated by La Ortolana of Milford, Subway of Milford and various community churches. Free clothing was also available.
The coalition is a 24-year-old nonprofit organization, with offices statewide. Cheryl Doucette, a breast cancer survivor herself, is the coalition's education and outreach program director.
“We reach out to the community by teaching them about breast health and breast cancer and support the community around women’s health in general,” Doucette explained. “A lot of people don’t know where to start with women’s healthcare. We’re a great place to start; we get them where they need to go.”
It was the second year the coalition partnered with the church and Richie Portalatin, pastor.
“He’s embedded in the community, and we see that as a way to connect with people we might not otherwise. He has a strong influence on the Hispanic community; he’s the multicultural connection,” said Doucette.
Beebe Healthcare offered on-the-spot testing for blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar levels. Those with abnormal results were referred to the onsite nurse practitioner who offered advice on how to treat symptoms. The nurse practitioner also offered free onsite breast exams.
Other vendors included the Delaware Prostate Cancer Coalition, radio station 930 AM La Exitosa, United Healthcare, Bayhealth Medical Center and People’s Place.
Portalatin, who wants to continue hosting the health fair for years to come, said, “The event was very much a success. Every year it gets better and better! The word is out and people really need it.”
The church is at 105 NE Front St., Milford. For more information about the coalition, go to http://www.debreastcancer.org.
