Boys & Girls Club & Breast Health Education

As our nation’s largest and oldest organization, the Boys and Girls Club impacts several aspects of our nation’s communities.  Its mission is to enable all young people, especially those in at-risk circumstances, to realize their full potential. This organization strives to inspire young people to become responsible, productive, caring citizens by providing them with resources to succeed.

Our local Peoria Memorial Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure® conducts several programs, one of which concerns breast health education.  Families 2000, is funded by Susan G. Komen for the Cure® in the form of a grant.  The program includes a one hour breast health presentation as well as an instructional breast self exam lesson on computerized disc in their computer lab.  Additionally, there are breast models for both men and women to locate lumps and a privacy booth for program participants to conduct self exams.  Boys and Girls Club employees also make mammogram referrals for the participants, who then obtain a Walmart gift card after they have received a mammogram.  “Eventually, we’d like to have peer presentations about the importance of breast health,” says Barbara Gordon, Program Director.  “It would be a great way to get the participants more involved and would also be a motivational tool to get more women to receive mammograms.”

Most recently, Komen for the Cure has agreed to fund a renovation of the privacy booth where breast self-exams are conducted.  All pink décor, including a pink chair and pink curtains, are in the plans.  In addition, Komen plans to fund new posters and new breast models for the organization.