Pocketbooks prevent cancer at Care for the Homeless.

Over 170 homeless women participated in last month's Pocketbooks for Paps campaign.

This campaign was born a few years ago when a very generous donor gifted us with a large container of handbags. Our Health Education Team devised a creative way to distribute the donation by creating a health awareness campaign. During Cervical Cancer Awareness Month in January, the team provided educational workshops to over 170 women, with 22% receiving their exam that same day. All participants "shopped" at the end of the workshop for a new pocketbook or handbag.

"There are so many misconceptions associated with detection, prevention and treatment," says Gillian Saunders, CFH Senior Health Educator. "I met a young woman in her early 20s who was hesitant and scared at the prospect of receiving her first pelvic exam. Donations like the pocketbooks really help us break down barriers to care."

Do you have a new or gently used pocketbook or handbag you can donate to our next campaign? Help us use fashion to prevent cervical cancer and change lives. Please email us or call Rosanna Montilla in the Development Office at (212) 366-4459 ext. 202 to learn more.

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