Though white women are more likely than Black women to be diagnosed with breast cancer, Black women are more likely to die from the disease, according to the American Cancer Society’s “Breast Cancer Facts & Figures 2017–2018” report. A local nonprofit is addressing the disparities in breast cancer mortality rates in an unlikely way — by reaching women through their faith.
A few years ago, a group of passionate health professionals, support services providers, government representatives and members of faith-based communities united to address the disparity in breast cancer mortality between African-American women and caucasian women. The group, now led by Executive Director Lisa Hayes, came to be known as the R.E.D. (Reaching to End Disparities) Alliance. Through faith-based programs and systematic intervention, the R.E.D. Alliance seeks to provide education and support and to connect African-American women to affordable and accessible breast health services.
“When people receive information through the church, they feel it is trustworthy because they are in a safe environment, so we had the idea of training advocates (in churches) to bring awareness about the disparity, and also have them do programming to connect women in the church with resources if they needed a mammogram, or emotional support,” said Hayes. “We introduce them to free community resources to remove barriers that women may face to make sure they have a successful treatment.”
Hayes explained that while not all women jump at the chance to go to the doctor, many attend church weekly. She also pointed out that for some women of faith, their beliefs prevent them from seeking life-saving services. Her organization helps people work through their fears.
“As we talk to people, one of the things we are finding is that women are fearful about breast cancer diagnostics, fearful about getting tests or going to the doctor, so one of the ways to overcome that fear is by faith,” said Hayes. “Some people are of the view that, ‘No, my faith is sufficient and I don’t need to rely on doctors, I’m not going to get a test, I’m just going to believe,’ and the R.E.D. Alliance wants to show that you can rely on your faith, but you can also rely on the fact that God has placed medical professionals in their path that can help them. It doesn’t have to be one or the other.”
In 2015, the R.E.D. Alliance selected nine pilot churches and trained 25 women from those churches as advocates to raise awareness of breast cancer disparities in their congregations and provide support to women fighting breast cancer. During that process, the advocates surveyed the women in their congregations to assess what obstacles women were facing. Over 750 women completed the survey, which gave the R.E.D. Alliance insight on how to best assist the community they are seeking to serve.
Since 2015, the organization has been active in the community, hosting town hall meetings and breast health summits that offer members of the community opportunities to express their perspectives and concerns. On Saturday, Oct. 28, the R.E.D. Alliance will host a free gospel concert to celebrate breast cancer survivors and share breast health information and resources. The concert features a performance by two-time breast cancer survivor Nikia Hammonds-Blakely from Dallas. Vouchers for free mammogram screenings will be given away at the event, among other gifts for attendees.
Hayes hopes that individuals who come out to the event will feel rejuvenated spiritually and leave encouraged to take care of their physical health.
“Churches and faith-based institutions are places where people find support and assistance, develop relationships with tons of people, and it’s very natural. Culturally, working through the church has proven to be a successful way to reach people with messages,” said Hayes.
For more information on the R.E.D. Alliance, visit facebook.com/redallianceindy.
