Bulgarr Ngaru Medical Aboriginal Corporation and BreastScreen NSW North Coast are tickled pink to form a powerful partnership for Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
The partnership members have been busy working across the Clarence Valley to organise group bookings for Aboriginal women.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women are under-represented in routine breast screening, so group bookings provide an opportunity for women aged 40 and over to attend their breast screen appointment together.
To date, 31 women in Yamba and Maclean have participated, with another 40 women due to attend group sessions later this month in Grafton.
“The group bookings are important as they bring local women together where they yarn about staying healthy and share some good food, at the same time as getting their regular breast screen in a culturally safe, supportive environment,” Kiarra Morris, Health Promotion and Aboriginal Disability Liaison Officer with Bulgarr Ngaru Medical Aboriginal Corporation, said.
Attendees at the group bookings also receive a complimentary pack from BreastScreen NSW which contains a tote bag, modesty scarf and drink bottle in the Biyani design, which reflects BreastScreen NSW and women’s business.
Breast Cancer Awareness Month takes place in October each year.
To learn more about group bookings at BreastScreen NSW sites across the North Coast contact nnswlhd-breastscreennc@health.nsw.gov.au.
To book a breast screen contact 13 20 50 or visit Booking an Appointment (BreastScreen NSW)
Image
BreastScreen and Bulgarr Ngaru Medical Aboriginal Corporation staff at Maclean group booking.
From left – Caitlyn Skinner, Aboriginal Health Practitioner Bulgarr Ngaru Medical Aboriginal Corporation; Anne Austin, Administration Officer (Mobile Unit), BreastScreen NSW (North Coast); Helen Le Gresley, Engagement Strategy Manager, BreastScreen NSW (North Coast); Kiarra Morris, Health Promotion and Aboriginal Disability Liaison Officer with Bulgarr Ngaru Medical Aboriginal Corporation.