DBCC reaches out to the Latina community

DBCC Staff and Volunteers at VIDA!

The Delaware Breast Cancer Coalition is committed to sharing information about breast cancer treatment, prevention, survivorship and education to every community in Delaware.  Recently, DBCC has focused on engaging the Latina community in western Sussex County to share the message of breast health.  On Saturday, March 19, DBCC hosted VIDA!, a Latina Breast Health Forum held at the Georgetown Fire Hall that attracted over 250 members of the Latina community.  This free, bilingual event educated participants about breast cancer screenings, treatment and survivorship. VIDA! was funded in part by a grant from the Philadelphia Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure.

Participants heard from Dr. Francisco Rodriguez of Atlantic Surgical Associates who dispelled some of the most common myths about breast cancer, and from Yolanda Alvarez and Elsa Rodriguez-Trejo, both breast cancer survivors, who spoke about their own personal journeys with breast cancer and their survivorship.

VIDA! participants at the Georgetown Fire Hall

The Women’s Mobile Health Screening (WMHS) Van was on-site and provided screening mammograms.  Participants were also able to have clinical breast exams along with free cholesterol, skin cancer, diabetes and blood pressure screenings provided by Beebe Medical Center.

Jonathan and Diana of Maxima Radio with Stephanie and Ana of Que Bien

The event was well attended by members of the media. Two Spanish radio stations, La Exitosa 930 AM and Maxima 900 AM, broadcasted live from the event.  WBOC and WMDT television stations filmed and aired the segment on the 11 pm news.  Que Bien also filmed for its online and cable television show.  Click here to watch the Que Bien broadcast.  A Hoy en Delaware reporter was also at the event interviewing participants.

“Our first annual VIDA! event was a huge success,” said Cheryl Doucette, DBCC Program Manager in the Lewes Office.  “The involvement from the area hospitals and health related vendors was key in making this a worthwhile event for the Latina community.  Participants were able to gather useful and very important health related information.”

In addition to the VIDA! Latina Breast Health Forum, DBCC also has a volunteer training planned for April 12 that will be presented entirely in Spanish.  Entitled “Salud y Vida”, the training will be held on Tuesday, April 12 from 4:30 to 7:30 pm at the Georgetown Fire Hall.  For more information, click here.

 “We need your help in sharing the important message of breast health to Latina women in Western Sussex County,” says Doucette.  “Please consider letting us show you on all the ways that you can help DBCC make a difference in the lives of your family and friends.”

To get involved with Latina outreach in Western Sussex County, please call Cheryl Doucette at 302-644-6844 or Sunny Villafañe at 302-672-6435.