Approximately, 720 African-American women in the Michiana region have been screened for breast cancer through the Women In Touch program since March of 1994. WIT has held three annual conferences with national speakers. WIT has performed 50 educational sessions and trained approximately 200 volunteers. WIT staff members have tracked the number of women participating in all aspects of the WIT program. Monthly reports are generated and distributed to funding sources. The success of this program cannot be judged solely on the "quantitative" outcomes listed above. The "qualitative" successes are more difficult to measure but we know that the WIT program has helped to save lives.

"I was first introduced to the Women In Touch program through the Reach to Recovery Support Group. I was initially attracted to the program because I was interested in talking with other African American women affected with breast cancer. I thought that they would have similar feelings, experiences and anxiety as me. As I got more involved in the program, I was comforted knowing that a group of African American women were there for me and always seemed willing to help. Women In Touch has been a great source of support for me. They help me learn more about financial responsibility and a clean living environment. This support enabled my family to live through a rough time, it has made our lives easier and taken away some of the regular burdens of life during a time of immense anxiety. I'd like for more women to know about this program. This support work of African American women has been of great importance to me and could benefit many others if they were introduced to it."

- Melissa Grumbly

"Someone from Memorial Hospital contacted me to introduce me to the Women In Touch program. I was immediately interested in being involved in a united group of African American women. I learned a lot about breast cancer while supporting and being supported by other African American women dealing with breast cancer. Learning more about breast cancer has been a great source of support to me in dealing with my own disease and helping others understand the disease. I visited the White House to hear our own Betty Green speak with Hillary Rodham Clinton. I was filled with joy and pride getting Black women at the table on the national level. I look forward to the continuation of this breast cancer support group to lend strength to African American women affected by this disease."

- Barb Jones

Bettye Green, RN and WIT Chairperson believes that WIT has "brought about a change of life style for African-American women in St. Joseph County. Women In Touch has helped to remove the stigma and cultural barriers associated with breast cancer by allowing African-American women to face the fear of cancer." African-American women have accepted the WIT program; they trust program staff because they have been able to eliminate barriers to service and help them deal with their fears. African-American women have learned about the importance of good health care. They have begun to perform self breast exams, to visit their doctors more regularly, and to obtain mammograms as recommended.

Unexpectedly, WIT's influence expanded from the local community to both the state and national levels. As mentioned earlier, Bettye serves on many local, state and national level committees which focus on breast health. Her involvement with these organizations has brought the Women In Touch program into the spotlight on several occasions. It is a testimonial to the importance of a program "champion."

It is our belief that a successful breast health awareness program, specific to African-American women, can be developed when there is cooperation, collaborative planning and long-term commitment between health care institutions and energetic and committed leaders within the community. We hope that the information provided in this Action Kit will enable you to successfully structure and develop a Women In Touch program in your community. Good luck!