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POMEROY — Since October is Cancer Awareness Month, the Meigs County Cancer Initiative (MCCI) is in the process of a fund raising program to help cover the cost of screening mammography services offered free to Meigs County women.

The program now in its seventh year is a community-tailored breast cancer awareness and education program which increases access to mammography services and any needed follow-up service.

“Komen funding has enabled hundreds of Meigs County women to receive free screening mammograms and needed follow-up as well as gasoline vouchers (now at $10) and follow-up diagnostic screening.,” said Norma Torres, program director for MCCI who, along with Carolyn Grueser, coordinates the local activity for the Susan G. Komen for the Cure.

Mammograms have been performed by the Holzer Clinic Meigs Branch, as well as the OSU Mobile Van. Clients receive one-on-one services that are confidential and at their most convenient choice of clinical area.

“Mammogram needs and costs have increased more than there is funding,” said Torres, “so twice a year, the MCCI’s Think Pink segment hosts fund-raisers to cover the cost of extra mammograms. On Saturday, Oct. 27, Fruth Pharmacy is holding a bake sale to raise funds for the program. The Fabric Shop has set up a window display to create better awareness of Cancer Awareness Month, and on Oct. 29 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. a Scentsy fundraiser will be held by Kimberly Hupp, a Scentsy representative who will donate her commission from sales to MCCI. She is a past recipient of services from MCCI.

The products are described as very fragrant, while hypoallergenic and safe for children to touch. Light refreshments will be served during the display time when residents are invited to come by and view the products on display in the conference room at the Meigs County Health Department. MCCI will receive 20 percent from each sale under a total of $2,000 at which time it increases to 30 percent, all of which will go toward mammograms for Meigs County women. Orders for items on display will be taken at the show, with delivery to come a little later.

For more information regarding the fund raisers or the services offered by MCCI, call Norma Torres, director, at 740-992-2161 Ext. 236, or Carolyn Grueser, administrative assistant at 740-992-3853.