A note: Bread for the City is continuing to serve our community during the COVID-19 pandemic. Please check our website at www.breadforthecity.org for updates on our open hours and services, and https://breadforthecity.org/covidsupport for city-wide resources. And now without further ado, we continue Social Services Month!

According to numerous studies, after skin cancers, breast cancer is the most common cancer diagnosis among US women and is the second leading cause of cancer death among women after lung cancer.  Shockingly, the death rate is 40% higher for Black people even though they are diagnosed with breast cancer less than white people. Given that the District of Columbia population is approximately 45% Black, this is a significant issue in DC.  

As a person that was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2019, I understand the value and necessity of having regular mammograms to detect breast cancer as early as possible. Subsequently, we were excited when the opportunity arose for Bread for the City to partner with Breast Care for Washington, DC for a mobile mammography clinic.  The SE Social Services staff diligently worked to recruit eligible clients to receive a mammogram at our SE center on March 5, 2020.  At the end of the event, 12 women had successfully completed their mammograms! 

It was the very first mammogram for Ms. Brenda Graves. She told me that she kept putting it off for years, and  that the Breast Care for Washington DC mobile staff did a fantastic job making her feel very comfortable. She also really appreciated how immaculate they kept the mobile unit!  Other participants also expressed that they appreciated the opportunity to get their mammogram completed at our SE Center — a place where they already felt safe and at home. 

Social services is more than just case management and behavioral health – we work with clients to meet all their goals, including around their health. We look forward to continuing to partner with the Breast Care for Washington, DC organization in the future to continue providing this valuable service to our community. The Breast Care for Washington, DC  is located at 4 Atlantic Street, SW, Washington, DC. They can be contacted for appointments at 202-465- 7164.