Hamot Health Foundation, UPMC Health Plan Teamed Up for Free Cancer Screenings for Firefighters
Erie, Pennsylvania – January is recognized as Firefighter Cancer Awareness Month by the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF). Prior to this designated month of awareness, Hamot Health Foundation and UPMC Health Plan Neighborhood Center teamed up to provide a first-of-its-kind free cancer screening program for the local first responder community.
The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (part of the Center for Disease Control) found that firefighters are 9 percent more likely to receive a cancer diagnosis than the general population – and 14 percent more likely to have a cancer-related death. The IAFF notes that occupational cancer is the leading cause of line-of-duty death within the fire service.
With over 130 firefighters active in the City of Erie, UPMC Health Plan and Hamot Health Foundation host this event to support screening, early detection, and better health for this group of heroes in the local community. The Cancer Research Institute states that early detection and regular screenings can catch cancer early - and often before symptoms appear. The earlier cancer is detected, the easier it is treat.
Nearly 91 percent of Erie firefighters were scheduled to receive the free screenings hosted by UPMC Health Plan Neighborhood Center. These screenings – funded for the firefighters by Hamot Health Foundation - included ultrasounds, blood draws, and dermatology screening, with one firefighter screened every half-hour. A screening event of this scale has been a goal of the Erie Firefighters IAFF Local 293 for the last five years, with an ultrasound-only screening partially funded by the Local 293 taking place during that timeframe.
The six days of free screenings for firefighters ran through Saturday, Dec. 6, taking place at the recently-opened UPMC Health Plan Neighborhood Center - Erie located at 803 East Avenue in Erie. Screenings ran from 6:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. daily.
To support initiatives like the Firefighter Cancer Screening Clinic, or to directly support those battling cancer, please consider a donation to Hamot Health Foundation’s HHF Cancer Fund or SLM Cancer Fund. More information on the funds and HHF’s work to support cancer patients in Erie can be found at HamotHealthFoundation.org/Cancer.
About Hamot Health Foundation:
Hamot Health Foundation is a non-profit organization with the mission to lead the Erie community to better health. The vision and values of the organization are steered by an unwavering commitment to the 4 C’s: Clinical Excellence, Cutting Edge Research, Career Development, Community Health.
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Stay updated on the latest news, initiatives, events, and programs from the Hamot Health Foundation at HamotHealthFoundation.org, or follow along on social media with Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Hamot Health Foundation
Shawn Bednard, Development Coordinator
(814) 877-7038
bednards@upmc.edu