HUNTINGTON, WV – In many households, it is the lady of the house who looks out for everyone’s health – but who is looking out for her? Ebenezer Medical Outreach, Huntington’s free and charitable clinic, has been hard at work hosting unique events to ensure the health needs of local women are being addressed.
January was cervical cancer awareness month. West Virginia is in the top 10 nationally for new cases of this cancer that begins in the cells lining the cervix and in the top 5 for women dying from it. When screening detects this cancer early, the chance of survival vastly improves. That’s why women from ages 21 to 65 are recommended to receive a cervical cancer screening every three years. Yet, just over half of West Virginian women report receiving it.
That’s why Ebenezer hosted a Tea Party for Cervical Cancer Awareness on Friday January 31. A diverse group of 25 local women ranging from 12 to 70 years old met at Huntington’s Kitchen for the event, supported by a microgrant from the Neighborhood Institute of Huntington. Local businesses like Grindstone Coffeeology, Full Circle Gifts, Jolly Pirate Donuts, Nomada Bakery, Paula Vega Cakes, and Starbucks provided refreshments and door prizes.
Students from the Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine presented on the risk factors for cervical and breast cancer and recommendations for screening and prevention. After their presentation, participants saying they were “likely to get regular cervical cancer screenings” increased from a “so-so” average of 3.5 to a “very confident” 4.67. Opportunities for women to complete these screenings – even without health insurance – were also shared.
But it didn’t stop there. February is National Heart Month, and Ebenezer once again joined the Huntington Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. for its annual Go Red for Women event. Occurring on Friday February 7, Ebenezer bolstered the always fabulous fashion show and door prize raffle with free blood pressure screenings and other giveaways.
If Dr. Lisa Harris’ keynote address on the risks of cardiovascular disease for African American women were not already powerful enough, what Ebenezer uncovered through these screenings drove the point home. Every patient screened had high blood pressure, and 89% were at a level requiring lifestyle changes and medication to prevent serious health issues. The risk of high blood pressure as a “silent killer” for African American women isn’t theoretical: it is affecting our families, friends, and neighbors.
That’s why efforts like Ebenezer’s are so important. The women in our lives do so much for us: it is only right to return the favor.
For more, call Ebenezer Medical Outreach at 304-529-0753, visit https://emohealth.org/, and attend Coffee for a Cause on March 8.
