Lock Haven Hospital Employees Volunteer to “Tell a Friend” for the American Cancer Society

(Pictured above:  Lock Haven Hospital employees - Diane Stabley, Patient Access Manager (foreground)  and Michelle Mader, Director of Laboratory Services (background) making phone calls to Clinton County women reminding them of Breast Health Awareness Month.  Over  1000 phone calls were placed during the three hour event promoting the importance of early detection in Breast Cancer.)

Lock Haven, PA.  October 30, 2008 –

The dedicated staff of Lock Haven Hospital in their continuing emphasis on Quality Care, Right Here recognized Breast Health Awareness Month by volunteering their time and energy to participate in the American Cancer Society’s “Tell a Friend” program.  The “Telethon” was held Tuesday night, October 28, 2008 in the Administration Wing of the Hospital.  Letters were sent to women in Clinton County three weeks prior to the event as a reminder for Breast Health Awareness month and many mammogram test were scheduled in advance of the event.
The volunteer callers were charged with calling nearly 1,200 Clinton County women and remind them of Breast Health Awareness month and the significance of early detection of breast cancer via mammography.  Schedulers were on hand to make appointments for women desiring to undergo the annual check-up.  Counselors also were available for those patients with financial concerns or were uninsured.

Representatives from the American Cancer Society were on hand to coach the volunteer callers on what to say and the benefits of mammogram detection.  A total of 89 screenings were scheduled during the three hour event and over 30 women requested return calls to remind them to schedule in the upcoming months.  Additional festivities included the Hospital staff participating in a cookie sale and a pink dress down day event to raise money for the American Cancer Society Breast Health Awareness program.  Over $400.00 was raised during the week long activities.

Increasing awareness and the early detection of breast cancer is the goal of the National Breast Cancer Awareness Month (NBCAM).  In 1985, two members started NBCAM as a weeklong campaign. Today the Board of Sponsors includes the American Cancer Society, national organizations, professional associations, and government agencies.