What is it?

In October Mrs. Blagojevich and the Salem Baptist Church worked together to launch the “Pink Potluck” campaign. Mrs. Blagojevich encouraged other First Ladies of African American churches to participate in the “Pink Potluck” campaign to bring their congregations together to discuss the health concerns, experiences and information related to women’s health. The potluck encourages women to keep their health in check by talking with their doctors about risk factors and preventative practices.

The purpose of these events is to focus on health, in particular breast cancer, in a caring environment. The gathering should empower women to take care of themselves so that they can care for their families. The event should feature a discussion or program about breast cancer and the importance of early detection. While this idea focuses on churches, community-based women’s groups are encouraged to sponsor similar events.

What do we do?

This event can be for a small group of women or a whole congregation. Depending on size, it can be held at someone’s home or at the church or community center. These events can be held during breakfast, lunch or dinner. Women are encouraged to work together to arrange a potluck.

• Find a friend and put together an invitation list
• Create a flyer and/make a general announcement to the congregation
• Encourage guests to bring a plate to share with other participants.
• Using the resources listed below, organize a program and make sure the information is available for those attending. Smaller groups could be more informal. Large groups should be encouraged to break into smaller groups for more intimate discussions.
• Plan your event early enough to schedule sponsors from participating organizations
• Try to limit the event to approximately 2 hours

What about the cost?

Although speakers and educational materials are available free from the organizations listed below, the sponsoring organization is responsible for all other expenses related to the event.

Program Topic Suggestions

A health care provider or trained community volunteer can be invited to do a brief overview of breast cancer. It can include:

• Discussion of early detection methods and guidelines
• Demonstration of breast self-exam (BSE) and practice on latex models that are provided by the instructor
• Resources available for low-cost or free testing and information
• Myths about Breast Cancer/Barriers to Screening
• When someone you love has breast cancer

Invite a survivor to relate her personal experience to group participants. Consider asking a member of the Congregation who has been open about discussing her diagnosis. If not, several of the organizations listed below can assist.

One of our many support organizations can come and discuss ways to help someone you love with breast cancer.

Resources

Many organizations will provide free booklets about breast cancer. Because there are certain times of the year that they are in great demand, please give them some advance notice. In addition, build in time for shipping materials and make sure you have an address ready where they will be shipped when ordering. Some of these organizations and there contact numbers are listed below.

• American Cancer Society: Marcy Jones, 312-279-7375
• Cancer Information Service: Gwendolyn West, 312-814-1081
• Susan G. Komen Chicago Affiliate: Karen Kliebhan, 708-544-1039
• Y-ME Illinois: Abby Drevs, 312-364-9071
• Illinois Department of Public Health, Office of Women’s Health: 1-888-522-1282

Speakers

These organizations can help provide speakers but need advance notice (2-3 weeks) so that the appropriate person and topic can be identified.

• American Cancer Society: Marcy Jones, 312-279-7375
• Cancer Information Service: Gwendolyn West, 312-814-1081
• Sisters Working It Out-Advocacy in Motion: Kimberly McCullum-Elliot, 708-862-2917
• Y-ME Illinois: Abby Drevs, 312-364-9071

Screening Services

Mobile mammography testing is available for events, dependent upon location and expected attendance. Other screenings such as blood pressure, glucose testing, cholesterol screening, Pap tests and HIV screening are offered depending upon availability. If a van is available, the event must attract at least 100 people. Local organizers are also encouraged to reach out to their neighborhood clinic or hospital to see if they would be willing to do some general screenings.

Stroger-Cook County Mobile Mammography Units: 312-864-0413

Illinois Department of Public Health “Wellness on Wheels”: Doris Turner, Center for Minority Health Services, 217-785-4311, or call the Women’s Health-Line, 888-522-1282, TTY (hearing impaired use only) 800-547-0466.

Illinois Department of Public Health, Illinois Breast and Cervical Cancer Program (IBCCP): There are four agencies in the Chicago Area that work with neighborhood clinics and can provide free mammography screening to low-income women who meet the programs guidelines. These agencies may be able to send a representative to the event to explain the program and help the women make appointments. The agency contacts for the IBCCP are:

• Chicago Department of Public Health: Velma Burt,R.N., 312-747-9747
• Cook County Department of Public Health: Shelise Roberts, R.N., 708-492-2114
• Access Community Health Network: Gloria Dominguez, R.N., 773-257-2573
• Mercy Hospital: Eileen Knightly, R.N., 312-567-2169

If you are unable to reach one of these agencies or if your event will be held outside the Chicago metropolitan region, please call the IDPH Women’s Health-Line at 888-522-1282, TTY(hearing impaired use only) 800-547-0466, for assistance.