HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda - 10-01-2002 - 5b 1
ORANGE COUNTY
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT
Meeting Date: October 1, 2002
Action Age
Item No.
SUBJECT: Breast Cancer Awareness Month Proclamation
DEPARTMENT: Health PUBLIC HEARING: (YIN) No
Human Rights and Relations
ATTACHMENT(S): INFORMATION CONTACT:
Proclamation Rosemary Summers, ext 2411
Annette Moore, ext. 2254
TELEPHONE NUMBERS:
Hillsborough 732-8181
Chapel Hill 9684501
Durham 688-7331
Mebane 336-227-2031
PURPOSE: To consider proclaiming October as Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
BACKGROUND: In 1999-2000, breast cancer was the third leading cause of cancer deaths in
Orange County. Early detection and treatment of breast cancer significantly prolongs life for
those diagnosed with breast cancer. The Orange County Health Department annually conducts
community outreach efforts and education about methods of early detection of breast cancer
such as mammograms and self-breast exams during the month of October in celebration of the
national Breast Cancer Awareness efforts. The Commission for Women has also been very
interested in this effort in the past several years and has been active in helping prepare the pink
ribbons for distribution.
This year, the traditional pink ribbon that symbolizes breast cancer awareness will be distributed
to residents in a variety of venues, including hair salons, spas, and churches. Educational ' .
programs on self-breast exams and the need to obtain mammograms will also be conducted.
FINANCIAL IMPACT: None.
RECOMMENDATION(S): The Manager recommends that the Board approve the attached
proclamation designating October as Breast Cancer Awareness Month in Orange County and
authorize the Chair to sign it.
2
ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
PROCLAMATION
Breast Cancer Awareness Month
2002
WHEREAS,breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer and the second
leading cause of cancer deaths among women in the United States; and
WHEREAS, approximately 5,900 North Carolina women will be diagnosed with breast
cancer and approximately 1,200 North Carolina women will die from the disease in 2002;
and
WHEREAS, every women is at risk for breast cancer even if she has no family history
of the disease,but women over age 50 are at greatest risk for being diagnosed with breast
cancer; and
WHEREAS, a mammogram is the single most effective method of detecting breast
changes long before physical symptoms that may be cancer can be seen or felt; and
WHEREAS, October is designated as National Breast Cancer Awareness Month; and
WHEREAS, the pink ribbon is the internationally recognized symbol of breast cancer
awareness; and
WHEREAS, community organizations, churches, synagogues, other places of worship,
and work sites can play a special role in educating their members or employees about
breast cancer;
NOW,THEREFORE,we,the Orange County Board of Commissioners,do hereby
proclaim October 2002 as`BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH' in Orange
County and urge all North Carolinians to wear pink ribbons in recognition of breast
cancer awareness and in honor of North Carolina women who have lost their lives to
breast cancer and for those who are now courageously fighting the battle with breast
cancer, and do further encourage women to consult with their health care providers about
regular screening and to promote early detection of breast cancer by having regular
clinical breast examinations,getting regular mammograms, and practicing monthly breast
self-examination.
This the 1"day of October, 2002
Barry Jacobs, Chair
Orange County Board of Commissioners