PULASKI, NY – In recognition of Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, Jefferson Street in Pulaski has “Gone Blue.”
Oswego County Opportunities’ Cancer Services Program has partnered with NYS Department of Health Cancer Services Program to bring the “Main Streets Go Blue” campaign to Oswego County.
With blue being the universally recognized color for colorectal cancer “Main Streets Go Blue” is a campaign to raise awareness of colorectal cancer, the number two cause of cancer related deaths in the United States.
Coordinator of OCO’s Cancer Services Program, Carolyn Handville is pleased to be able to bring this campaign to Oswego County.
“Colorectal cancer is a deadly disease, but it is preventable, treatable and beatable! According to statistics from the NYS Cancer Services Program, one in 19 people will be diagnosed with colorectal cancer and only half of insured adults age 50 – 75 are up to date with their colorectal screening, for the uninsured that number is only 36%. Our goal is to make people talk as openly about colorectal cancer as they do breast cancer. We want to inspire them to receive their test and encourage their loved ones to have theirs as well,” said Handville.
Throughout the month, 14 merchants along Jefferson Street in Pulaski are proudly displaying their ‘Blue Decal’ to let the community know that they have gone blue.
They also have information available on colorectal cancer and the free screenings that OCO’s Cancer Services Program offers to those age 50 and older who are uninsured.
On March 26, from 10 a.m. to noon, the Cancer Services Program will join OCO’s Facilitated Enrollment Department at the Pulaski Fire Department to provide the community with an opportunity to pick up their free colorectal cancer screening kit and meet with an enroller to determine if they are eligible for Family Health Plus or Medicaid.
“We welcome residents in the Pulaski area and all of Oswego County to join us March 26 at the Pulaski Fire Department as we ‘Go Blue’ and raise awareness of colorectal cancer,” added Handville. “The first 75 people who join us will receive a free blue shirt to wear and create the first ever human blue ribbon while Mayor Ernest Wheeler proclaims March as National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month.”
“There will be free refreshments and a drawing for two fishing poles for everyone that attends. In addition, each community member that completes their colorectal cancer screening kit will be given a $10 gift card to a local bait shop or hardware store,” she said.
For more information on the cancer screenings available through OCO’s Cancer Services Program, call 342-0888, ext. 1455.
A private, non-profit agency, OCO’s many programs touch the lives of more than 28,000 Oswego County residents each.
One of Oswego County’s largest employers, OCO employs more than 650 people and boasts a volunteer force of 1,000.
Now in its 45th year, OCO continues to build partnerships and is on a roll as it strives to improve the quality of life in Oswego County by helping people, supporting communities and changing lives.
For more information, visit www.oco.org
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