Spotlight: Martin County Friends                                                                      Back to Publications List

"No woman is an island…" to paraphrase John Donne, and the same holds true for the North Carolina Breast Cancer Screening Program. NC-BCSP successes have grown naturally from the strong bonds of connection between the project's network of caring, outgoing LHAs and all the women they know across five counties. Equally important are strong linkages between the LHA network and local agencies. Often working behind-the-scenes and giving the LHAs center-stage are organizations that provide services and assistance that sometimes go unnoticed. So, we take this opportunity to extend a public thank you.

Martin-Tyrrell-Washington District Health Department, most recently under the leadership of Health Director Keith Patton, has been a steady resource for our program since 1993. The health department has provided office space and material support for Community Outreach Specialists serving the three counties in its district. Likewise, when the health department needs to get the word out about one of its public health initiatives, they know they can count on NC-BCSP lay health advisors to help inform the community.

If the health department is our project's right hand, then Pastor Lula Brown and New Fellowship Christian Church (DOC) in Williamston is the left hand. The church provides meeting space for our large group gatherings, including monthly Make Today Count self-help groups and the Spring Gala for breast cancer survivors. Pastor Brown, a trained LHA, has made it her mission to bring breast health into the public discussion. She continues to be a strong advocate for our LHAs as they begin talking about cervical health in addition to breast cancer.

A relatively new community-based organization that is promoting NC-BCSP's message is the New Life Women's Leadership Project, headed by Donna Dudley. New Life is committed to helping women enhance their spiritual, political, and economic development. Several staff and volunteers from New Life participated in Martin County's recent LHA training. After being trained as LHAs, they hosted "house parties" to tell other women about the risk factors for breast and cervical cancer and screening recommendations. According to Ms. Dudley, "House parties are like the old Tupperware parties, except instead of selling Tupperware we're providing education and support. Meeting people in an arena that they understand and feel comfortable in allows them to listen and really hear our message."

Other local organizations that have helped NC-BCSP by hosting training sessions and meetings include: the Senior Center in Jamesville; and Williams Chapel A.M.E. Zion Church, New Technology and Business Center, and Martin General Hospital, all in Williamston. The Bertie-Martin-Washington Community Development Corporation (CDC) has also provided meeting space; their administrative assistant, Lynette Collins, serves on our Community Advisory Group and has been trained as an LHA.

Thank you to all the agencies and people who are helping Martin County women stay healthy!