Women's Task Force
The Women's Task Force (WTF) of Saint Joseph Regional Medical Center continues to play an active part in the cancer outreach programs. The all-volunteer Task Force, comprised of 28 women who are also cancer survivors, continues its mission to initiate programs that promote prevention, awareness and early detection of cancer.
Pap-a-Thon
Since 2004, the Annual Pap-A-Thon, held on one day at multiple locations, provides free cervical cancer screenings to women in our community.
In 2007, nearly 900 women were provided a cervical cancer screening, enrolled in Indiana's Breast & Cervical Cancer Program when qualified and given educational materials on other health programs, smoking cessation and breast self exams. Since its inception, more than 3,500 women have been served through this program.
The Pap-A-Thon is a true community effort, with hours of volunteer time given by local physicians, nurse practioners, nurse midwives, health professionals and community leaders.
Secret Sisters Society Mammogram Fund
Realizing many local women do not have access to screening mammograms, the WTF initiated the Secret Sisters Society mammogram fund in March 2003. To support this program, the annual Secret Sisters Society Luncheon & Style Show was established in 2002.
Since its foundation, more than 2,000 mammograms have been scheduled or provided to women from 11 counties through the Secret Sisters Society fund. Access to the Secret Sisters mammogram program is managed by United Health Services, the local administrator of the Indiana Breast & Cervical Cancer Program (BCCP).
Health care providers may refer women to BCCP or they can call BCCP directly to see if they financially qualify for the program. If they do qualify and are between the ages of 40-49, they will receive a Secret Sister mammogram. As the number of uninsured women grows and more providers move to digital technology (which has increased costs by 32%), the Secret Sisters Society Mammogram Fund will need more dollars to meet the needs of our community.
Support Groups
The Gyna-Girls ovarian cancer survivors meet on the first Monday of each month in the Saint Joseph Cancer Institute. These women are leaders in raising community awareness through their support of the annual Notre Dame Domer Run/Walk on the campus. This event is dedicated to educating others on the early signs of ovarian cancer.
The Young Survivors of Breast Cancer meet on the fourth Thursday of each month in the Saint Joseph Cancer Institute. Members of this group have been in leadership positions in every community breast cancer effort and send participants to the conference of Young Survivors held yearly in Philadelphia.
For more information go to www.womenstaskforce.org or call (574) 472-6095.