Let's Talk Women's Health Initiative on tap Nov. 3

 

(Media Release) For more than a decade the 100 Black Men of Rome have made sure local guys could get important screenings and helpful information at its annual Health Initiative for Men.

 

It's such a vital and effective program that a consortium of local health-related groups have come together to create a similar event for women.

 

Let's Talk Women's Health Initiative is slated for Nov. 3 at the Floyd County Department, 16 East 12^th St. in Rome.

 

From 8 a.m. to noon, women over 18 can show up for a broad spectrum of screenings including sleep apnea, mental health, pap smears, clinical breast exams, glucose, blood pressure, cholesterol, BMI, vision, dental and skin. Clinical breast and cervical exams and PAP tests will be performed on a first-come first-served basis beginning at 8 a.m.

 

Also available will be AIDS information and counseling, stroke and heart attack information, nutritional and healthy eating guidance, flu shots, as well as information on HPV, prenatal care and lactation, colorectal health and cancer care information.

 

Mobile mammography and angio screenings will be available, but appointments must be made in advance. For a mammogram appointment, call 706-509-6850. For angio screening, participants must be over 50 with high blood pressure, smoke or have heart disease. Call 1-855-847-0781 for an appointment.

 

By having their participant card punched as they visit screenings and booths, women have the chance to earn some pampering afterwards that includes on-site massages, manicures and beauty consultations as well as the chance of winning door prizes. Those sessions continue through 2 p.m.

 

This event is being presented by the, the American Cancer Society, Floyd Medical Center, Harbin Clinic, Northwest Georgia Medical Clinic , Northwest Georgia Public Health, Northwest Georgia Regional Cancer Coalition , Redmond Regional Medical Center, and University Gynecology Oncology.

 

Gena Agnew and her team at the Northwest Georgia Regional Cancer Coalition have spearheaded the collaboration.

 

"Our health care community has collaborated for 11 years on the HIM event with 100 Black Men. We decided it was time to do a similar event for the women in our community. The 100 Black Men of Northwest Georgia are helping us with their expertise, and it is a labor of love for all who are involved," said Agnew. 

 

Other local groups involved in the Women's Health Initiative include American Red Cross,  Blue Ridge AHEC, Cancer Navigators, the Free Clinic of Rome, the Georgia Department of Labor, Mary Kay Cosmetics, Northside Hospital,  Norton's Women's Clinic, Shorter University,  Women of W.O.R.T.H. and many others.

 

"Women who are 18 and older should attend to take advantage of all of the screenings available in one place at no charge to them. Unlike the men, we felt the women should have a little something extra, so we added the beauty consultants, manicures and massages for after they complete 75 percent of their screenings. That is - they get a reward for taking care of themselves."

 

For more information, contact NWGRCC at 706-295-6048.