African American Receives Grant from Susan G. Komen for the Cure, Northern Indiana Affiliate

African American Women In Touch (AAWIT) plans to build on the breast health program we offer by embarking on an innovative approach to educating adults through educating youth; moving from the classroom to the community. This approach is made possible through a grant from the Northern Indiana Affiliate of the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation; and is a collaborative effort between Women in Touch of Memorial Hospital and Washington High School.

Students in the medical magnet program at Washington High School will learn about the importance of breast health, breast cancer and how it specifically affects minority women. Students will receive educational training from nursing instructors, physicians involved with breast cancer treatment and members of AAWIT. The curriculum will consist of a basic understanding of breast cancer, the importance of prevention, mammograms, clinical breast exam and self-breast exams. The students will also receive hands-on experiences by talking to survivors and participating in breast cancer awareness events. After the educational training, the students will then make presentations to Washington High School’s parental groups, such as the PTA and PALS, neighborhood associations, peer groups and community organizations. Volunteers from African American Women In Touch will be mentors and will oversee all presentations made by the students.