American Cancer Society Receives HPV Education and Prevention Grant in Fairfield County

The American Cancer Society and Norwalk Community Health Center (NCHC) are recognizing Cervical Cancer Awareness Month by announcing a one-year, $40,000 grant awarded by Fairfield County’s Community Foundation to support education and prevention efforts to help decrease the onset of the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) in women across Fairfield County. Fairfield County’s Community Foundation grant and partnership with NCHC will support the Society’s commitment to eliminating cervical cancer through the promotion of screening and HPV vaccinations.

It is estimated that nearly 13,000 women are expected to be diagnosed with cervical cancer in the United States this year. Being infected with HPV can increase the risk of getting cervical cancer. HPV infections are very common, and most go away by themselves and don’t cause problems. But in some cases, they lead to abnormal cell changes and cancer.

“By increasing vaccination rates, we can significantly reduce the burden of HPV and cervical cancer, allowing women and girls in our community to reach their full potential”, says Tricia Hyacinth, Manager, Fund for Women and Girls, Fairfield County’s Community Foundation.

This funding will enable the Norwalk Community Health Center to enhance its Electronic Medical Records (EMR) system to include reminders that inform its healthcare providers that patients are due for specific vaccinations such as the HPV vaccination.   NCHC will develop immunization records that follow patients through the continuum of services they will receive, into adulthood.

“As a Patient Centered Medical Home that serves more than 2,000 girls under age 18 each year, we are perfectly positioned to partner with American Cancer Society to reach and treat this vulnerable group,” said Craig Glover, Norwalk Community Health Center Chief Executive Officer.

The American Cancer Society will be supporting the Norwalk Community Health Center in their efforts to educate more parents and children regarding the importance of HPV vaccinations and the implementation of measures to ensure compliance with the vaccination cycle required to ensure protection against HPV.

 “The general public is only just now beginning to understand the dangers inherent in HPV. In years past, most people associated it with sexual activity. But today, we know that all that is needed is skin-to-skin contact with an area of the body infected with HPV. Someone can have the virus and pass it on without even knowing it. That is why vaccinating boys and girls early on in their lives is so important”, says Lynn Basilio, Senior Director, Primary Care Systems, American Cancer Society.

For more information on HPV please visit www.cancer.org or call the American Cancer Society at 1.800.227.2345.

About Norwalk Community Health Center

Norwalk Community Health Center (NCHC), a 501(c)3 nonprofit, has been delivering quality, innovative care that enriches the lives of our patients and the community since 1999. In a state of the art facility at 120 Connecticut Ave., Norwalk, CT and through our Mobile Medical Unit (MMU), we currently provide comprehensive health care (adult, pediatric, OB/GYN, and behavioral health) to nearly14, 000 unique patients each year.  As a Federally Qualified Health Center, NCHC is invested in the health of all who need us, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, age, health status, religion, sexual orientation, education or ability to pay. NCHC has achieved Level 3 Recognition as a Patient-Centered Medical Home (PCMH) Practice by the National Committee for Quality Assurance. NCHC relies on patient fees, grants and contributions to carry out its mission and respond to evolving community needs. Learn more about NCHC at www.norwalkchc.org.

About Fairfield County’s Community Foundation

Fairfield County’s Community Foundation promotes philanthropy as a means to create change in Fairfield County, focusing on innovative and collaborative solutions to critical issues impacting the community. Individuals, families, corporations, and organizations can establish charitable funds or contribute to existing funds. The Community Foundations is in compliance with the Council for Foundations’ national standards, and has awarded over $207 million in grants to nonprofits in Fairfield County and beyond. For more information, visit www.fccfoundation.org.

About the American Cancer Society
The American Cancer Society is a global grassroots force of 2 million volunteers saving lives in every community. As the largest voluntary health organization, the Society's efforts have contributed to a 23 percent decline in cancer death rates in the U.S. since 1991, and a 50 percent drop in smoking rates. We're finding cures as the nation's largest private, not-for-profit investor in cancer research, ensuring people facing cancer have the help they need and continuing the fight for access to quality health care, lifesaving screenings and more. For more information, to get help, or to join the fight, call us anytime, day or night, at (800) 227-2345 or visit cancer.org.

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Submitted by Darien, CT

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