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Peekskill, NY – HRHCare, one of the largest federally qualified health center (FQHC) systems in the country, yesterday announced its participation in the ‘80% by 2018’ pledge in a ceremony at their flagship facility. Part of an initiative by the American Cancer Society, Center for Disease Control and the National Colorectal Cancer Roundtable, the pledge is a commitment to regularly screen 80% of adults over 50 for colorectal cancer. HRHCare Chief of Clinical Quality and Physician Leadership Development Dr. Sophia McIntyre and HRHCare Chairman of the Board Hon. Alan Steiner signed the pledge today with Dr. Alvaro Carrascal, Vice President of Health Systems for the American Cancer Society.
Colorectal cancer is the nation’s third-leading cause of cancer-related deaths, but it can be prevented. Through proper colorectal cancer screening, doctors can find and remove hidden growths (called “polyps”) in the colon, before they become cancerous. Removing polyps can prevent cancer altogether. By signing the pledge, HRHCare will increase its colon cancer screening rates by 9 percent.
“HRHCare is proud to sign the ‘80% by 2018’ pledge and help put an end to colorectal cancer,” said Alan Steiner, HRHCare Board Chair, ACS Westchester-Rockland Board of Advisors & Board’s Health Committee Chair. “We know that with regular screening, we can change the statistics around this preventable disease.”
“Colorectal cancer is a major public health problem: the third cause of cancer deaths in the country. Adults age 50 and older should be regularly screened for it. There are several screening options, including take home tests,” said Dr. Alvaro Carrascal, Vice President of Health Systems for the American Cancer Society. “Colorectal cancer can be prevented or detected early through appropriate screening and tens of thousands of lives can be saved if we increase screening to reach 80% by 2018.”
Since receiving an American Cancer Society grant in 2013/2014, HRHCare has launched several efforts to help boost colon cancer screening rates, including:
• Increasing colorectal cancer screenings using FIT/FOBT.
• Increasing colorectal cancer screenings using colonoscopy.
• Enhancing one-on-one and screening navigation in regular clinical settings.
• Enhancing screening navigating through full day group education and screening events.
One HRHCare health center has already reached the 80 percent target, and it currently screens an average of 58 percent of targeted patients system wide.
About HRHCare
HRHCare is a nonprofit, New York State licensed, Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC). Founded 40 years ago to provide care to the medically underserved population of Peekskill, New York, HRHCare is now one of the nation’s largest community health providers. From the Capitol Region to the East End of Long Island, HRHCare’s network of 26 health centers provides affordable, accessible care to more than 135,000 patients through 500,000 visits annually. Our more than 350 primary care practitioners and 700 specialists and support staff have made HRHCare a destination for high-quality and compassionate care for all.
As HRHCare has grown it has retained its core values of community and compassion. Excelling in patient care, HRHCare provides comprehensive services to anyone who walks through our doors. HRHCare’s health centers provide primary and preventative treatment including adult and pediatric care; obstetrical and gynecological care; family planning; HIV counseling, testing, and referral; dental services; mental health counseling; nutrition counseling; podiatry; WIC services; health education; and a full complement of outreach, translation, transportation, benefits counseling and health insurance enrollment assistance.
HRHCare has a profound commitment to the communities it serves and works to improve community health through partnerships and collaborations with local community leaders, businesses, social service agencies, housing organizations, food banks, agricultural worker alliances and other local stakeholders. HRHCare believes if it wants to ensure quality care for its patients, it should ensure quality pay for its staff, which is why it provides a minimum living wage of $15 an hour for all employees.
About the American Cancer Society
The American Cancer Society is a global grassroots force of 2.5 million volunteers saving lives and fighting for every birthday threatened by every cancer in every community. As the largest voluntary health organization, the Society’s efforts have contributed to a 20 percent decline in cancer death rates in the U.S. since 1991, and a 50 percent drop in smoking rates. Thanks in part to our progress nearly 14 million Americans who have had cancer and countless more who have avoided it will celebrate more birthdays this year. We’re determined to finish the fight against cancer. We’re finding cures as the nation’s largest private, not-for-profit investor in cancer research, ensuring people facing cancer have the help they need and continuing the fight for access to quality health care, lifesaving screenings, clean air, and more. For more information, to get help, or to join the fight, call us anytime, day or night, at 1-800-227-2345 or visit www.cancer.org.
