The Chautauqua County Cancer Services Program, known locally as Partners for Prevention, honored key coalition members and health care providers during their recently held Annual Appreciation Reception. This event recognizes volunteers, physician offices, and community based organizations that assist the Partners for Prevention program with providing breast, cervical and colorectal screening to the uninsured residents of Chautauqua County.

            Awards were presented by Christine Schuyler, Public Health Director, and Angela Swartzman, Project Coordinator, who serve as co-chairs of the Partners for Prevention Coalition. Formed more than 14 years ago, the Partners for Prevention Coalition is dedicated to improving the continuum of cancer care and outcomes for residents of Chautauqua County. Lyndon Gritters, MD accepted the “Community Leaders Award” on behalf of Jamestown Radiologists, PC for enhancing the quality of life for cancer patients through exemplary service. The “Commitment to Service Award” was presented to Marcy Bencivenga, Northern Appalachian Cancer Network, for serving as a coalition member whose actions demonstrate a strong commitment to improving the continuum of cancer care and outcomes for local residents. Brenda Munella, WHNP received the “Outstanding Health Care Professional Award” for her work at the Chautauqua County Health Department Clinic to enhance public awareness and improve the availability of the best cancer care. Mary Rappole, CWHNP was honored with the “Spirit of Volunteering Award” for volunteer service that contributed to early diagnosis and improving the quality of life for cancer survivors.  

            The evening included a testimonial from a breast cancer survivor read by Mike Porpiglia, American Cancer Society Community Executive. The survivor was originally diagnosed through the Partners for Prevention program and expressed her gratitude to everyone involved for helping her navigate through the screening, diagnosis, and treatment process.

            The Partners for Prevention program is an initiative of the Chautauqua County Health Department, funded by the New York State Department of Health, and administered by the Chautauqua County Health Network. This program provides breast and cervical screening for uninsured women and colorectal screening for uninsured men and women. Additional services include outreach and education about the importance of timely cancer screening, as well as case management throughout the screening process. Patients receive services through private physician offices or through the Chautauqua County Health Department Clinics in Jamestown and Dunkirk.

            For more information on breast cancer, counseling, education, outreach and support, please call the Chautauqua County Partners for Prevention at (800) 506-91851.