Spotlight: Martin County LHAs Reach High

What do the numbers 71 and 70 mean in eastern North Carolina? In Martin County, 71 is the percentage of African American women who have had a mammogram in the past two years; 70 percent is the national goal of Healthy People 2010 for regular mammography screening. How has Martin County managed to exceed the Healthy People breast screening goal years ahead of schedule? Through the work of dedicated lay health advisors!

Shirley Respass is one LHA whose high levels of energy and enthusiasm are typical of Martin County's busy LHA groups. Martin County LHAs sponsor many events and Ms. Respass participates in all of them. According to Martin County Community Outreach Specialist Eva Hill, "If a function is going on in the county, Shirley always calls me to see if everything is going fine or if there is anything she can do."

Ms. Respass' untiring support doesn't come as a surprise to those who know her. At Mount Zion Holiness Church, where she is a member and her grandmother was a pastor, she serves in many capacities. She is a church trustee, vice-president of the pastor aid club, secretary of the women's fellowship group, member and treasurer of the senior choir, and she serves on the missionary and program committees. She's even the church's interior decorator!

Talking to women isn't a new skill to Ms. Respass. Since she retired as an operator at the telephone company, she has combined her soothing voice with her LHA knowledge to encourage many women to get mammograms. She was recently recognized at the Martin County Community Banquet, a celebration of local service organizations, for her outstanding dedication and work with BCSP.

Another remarkable LHA is Ethel Blanks of the Hamilton group. According to LHA Nellie Council, "Ethel has innovative ideas that are very good. We knew her outreach to touch her sisters with our message would be broad. We have always enjoyed Ethel's friendship and her efforts on behalf of the project."

In addition to her work at NC-BCSP, Ms. Blanks volunteers with the Hamilton Election Board and works as a nurse's aide at Hamilton Baptist retirement home. She is active at Sycamore Baptist Church, where she serves as chair of the Community Outreach and the Vacation Bible School, is co-superintendent of the Sunday School, and sings in the senior choir. Ms. Blanks' talent has provided entertainment at many Martin County LHA gatherings, where her inspiring songs have brought the crowd to their feet. Ms. Blanks embodies a message from one of her favorite songs that says serving others "don't cost much."

These ladies are two examples of the 49 committed and hardworking Martin County LHAs who bring the message of cancer awareness and early detection to women in their communities. Every spring, Martin LHAs organize walking teams for the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life; in the past five years, they have raised over $15,000 for cancer research and public awareness. On Mother's Day, they distribute pink ribbons and church bulletin inserts emphasizing the importance of early detection. In 2001, Martin LHAs distributed 10,000 bulletins to more than 24 area churches in recognition of Easter, Women's Day, Men's Day and National Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October. And whenever they can, LHAs advise one-on-one, speaking personally and confidentially with women about breast and cervical health issues.

LHAs celebrate their work during the annual appreciation covered dish dinner on Valentine's Day. They recharge their commitment to reaching out and reaching up. Exceeding the Healthy People goal by a percentage point isn't a place to stop, it's the beginning of their new goal -- 100% of all women getting screened as recommended!