Grant may help improve local Hispanics’ breast cancer detection

The Rural Women’s Health Project has been awarded a $25,000 grant by the Florida Division of the American Cancer Society to further its educational programs on breast cancer detection and treatment among rural Spanish-speaking Hispanic women.

The award will be used to support the nonprofit organization’s program, Creando Nuestra Salud (Creating Our Health), which aims to reduce late detection of breast cancer among rural Spanish-speaking women living in Lake, Putnam, Volusia, Levy, and Alachua counties.

The program’s objective -- through one-on-one peer education and referrals -- is to increase the participation of this demographic in early breast-cancer detection screenings through its partnerships with three medical facilities, including Shands’ Mobile Outreach Clinic in Alachua, Family Medical and Dental serving Putnam and Volusia counties and the Levy County Health Department.

One of the greatest health disparities facing Hispanic women in these rural communities is the high rate of death from breast cancer due to late detection.

This year’s project will focus on creating a Spanish-language referral guide, provide links to medical providers and ensure follow-up checks.

A check presentation ceremony is scheduled for 10:30 a.m. Monday at the Winn Dixie American Cancer Society Hope Lodge, 2121 SW 16th St.