Senator Savino sponsors free screenings and funding for women's health

(Brooklyn) – On Thursday October 22, women in Brooklyn received free mammograms from an event sponsored by Senator Diane J. Savino in conjunction with the American-Italian cancer foundation.  In addition, Senator Savino also announced that she had secured capital funding for future digital technology for the foundation.

The screenings, conducted in an onsite mammography van, provided by the American-Italian Cancer Foundation, took place in front of the Health Plus office on 4810 5th Ave in Brooklyn.  It was the most successful screening to date, and all women who could not get appointments for the day were scheduled for future dates.

Senator Savino stated “I am very happy to provide funding for this foundation which will provide digital technology for underprivileged women all over New York City.”

The Mobile Mammography Program funded by the American-Italian cancer foundation,  provides no-cost breast cancer screening to economically disadvantaged and medically underserved women in New York City .  By partnering with community-based organizations and institutions, AICF brings mammography services directly to women in their communities. 

Addie Backlund, Executive Director of The American-Italian Cancer Foundation stated:
"The American-Italian Cancer Foundation's Mobile Mammography Program is proud to be bringing no-cost mammograms, clinical breast exams, and instruction in breast self-exam to medically underserved neighborhoods in the five boroughs of New York City.  Now, through the foresight of State Senator Diane Savino and the generosity of the Dormitory Authority of New York State, our vans will soon be fitted with state-of-the-art, digital mammography equipment; these technological updates will enhance our breast cancer screening abilities tremendously.  We are deeply grateful to Senator Savino and to all those involved for making these magnificent enhancements possible," stated Addie Backlund, Executive Director of The American-Italian Cancer Foundation

At the same time, Diane announced that she'd secured capital funding in the amount of  $200,000 for the purchase of equipment.  According to the AICF, the $200,000 will be used to purchase digital mammography equipment that will allow AICF to bring state of the art equipment to underserved neighborhoods.
 
“It is no coincidence that with the rise in numbers of uninsured Americans, we are also seeing many women foregoing this preventative, yet possibly life-saving procedure.  Many women, particularly those with language barriers, are not aware that there are outreach programs, like the one providing the mobile mammography van today, which provides breast cancer screenings at no cost,” said Senator Savino.

For more information and to schedule an appointment for an upcoming screenings, contact Senator Savino's office at, 718-727-9406.