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(February 8, 2001) Free Mammograms for Valentine's Day Portland, OR. (February 8, 2001). The Portland Fire's Sophia Witherspoon, assistant coach Jessie Kenlaw, and mascot Spot, along with their partner SW Washington Medical Center, will be at Westfield Shoppingtown Vancouver from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday, February 14, to sign up women of Clark County to receive a free mammogram. Those women who qualify for the test would ordinarily not be able to afford the procedure, thus possibly providing a Valentine's Day gift that could save their lives. In order to qualify for the mammogram, women must be over 40 years of age, have no health insurance, meet specific income criteria, and reside in Clark County. The free mammograms are made possible through a grant from Southwest Washington Medical Center's Breast & Cervical Health program. For those not able to attend the Valentine's Day event, information will also be provided to over 75 clinics in Clark County and women may apply by calling 1-800-992-1817. Scheduled mammograms will take place at Southwest Washington Medical Center's Breast Care Center. The Department of Health estimates that screening measures could prevent approximately 15 to 30% of deaths from breast cancer. Since low-income women are less likely to receive cancer screenings, they are diagnosed with more advanced disease and have higher mortality rates than any other socio-economic category. According to the American Cancer Society, 40,800 women will die this year of breast cancer. At SWMC's Cancer Center of Southwest Washington, the number of newly diagnosed cases of breast cancer has increased by 17% over the last five years. Recognizing the value of screening and early detection cannot be emphasized enough, the Fire will continue to promote issues surrounding breast health awareness on a year-round basis and as part of the programs instituted by the WNBA. The Sears WNBA Breast Health Awareness program is designed to further increase awareness about the importance of early detection of breast cancer and to raise funds needed to inform, educate and screen women all over the country. [For any additional information, please contact Jill Wiggins, Fire Director of Communications, at 503-797-9929. Season tickets for the second season of Fire basketball are available by calling 503-797-WNBA,
www.firebasketball.com Fire season tickets are on sale now! Call 503-797-WNBA to order today or log onto www.Firebasketball.com for more information.] |
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