MHP Hosts 10th Annual Breast Cancer Awareness Walk
Walkers make their way around the square in downtown Oskaloosa for the 10th Annual Breast Cancer Awareness Walk, hosted by Mahaska Health Partnership.
Oskaloosa, Iowa – Over 150 people braved the chilly October wind to spend their lunch hour at the 10th Annual Breast Cancer Awareness Walk, hosted by Mahaska Health Partnership.
The square in Oskaloosa was filled with pink flags, a reminder of the many people who are impacted by the disease. MHP PR/Marketing Coordinator Cassie Riley said that the cool weather was nice while walking.
Over the past 10 years, the walk has grown in size. Those first years, approximately 40 people participated. “We definitely have people who look forward to it every year,” said Riley. “I’m really thankful and happy for how much it has grown.”
“Another thing that’s changed this year is that we’re keeping the funds that we raise locally. We’ve always donated them to Susan G. Komen south east affiliate in the past.” Riley says that they were wonderful partners and we were happy to do that. “Because in turn they would provide a grant to provide assistance for people who needed a mammogram and couldn’t afford it. They don’t do that grant program anymore and so we’ve had to look for ways to be sustainable on our own.”
That means those funds will be held locally and will be there to assist those who may not be able to afford the procedure.
Riley said that the hospital recently started using their digital mammography system. “So even those people who can’t afford a mammogram or need assistance, they’re getting that high quality care and those high quality images, with the lowest radiation dose in the state.”
“If anybody ever did need help paying for a mammogram, if they are worried about the cost and they need one, don’t hesitate to call our radiology department. They will figure it out,” said Riley. “It’s a very simple paper they fill out and they will get it taken care of.”
Riley also said that MHP will again be hosting their Free Women’s Breast Health Night, scheduled for Tuesday, Oct. 28. “It’s an evening event with food and door prizes and it’s lots of fun,” said Riley.
A panel of speakers is planned this year to help educate on breast cancer and the night is just part of the month long National Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
