Members of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. hosted a health drive over the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday weekend.
People could visit one of the AKA’s stations for free COVID-19 vaccinations or mammograms. Black women have a mortality rate of 31% from breast cancer, which is higher than any other demographic, according to Breast Cancer Prevention Partners.
Rolling out caught up with Carolyn G. Randolph, the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority South Atlantic regional director; and Ora Douglass, the AKA’s international program chairman, to discuss the importance of women getting mammograms.
What is the significance of getting a routine mammogram screening?
Carolyn G. Randolph: When it comes to the mammogram, we know that early detection is the key. And so we promote that concept, we make sure that we are constantly having funds to teach that and to reach those underserved areas where a person thinks they cannot receive that kind of treatment. Not only in terms of mammograms, but we just believe in preventive health.
How seriously do you think screenings have been taken in the Black community?
Randolph: It’s been well-received for us. We had a two-day event that began on our actual Founder’s Day (Jan. 15) and on [Martin Luther King Jr. Day]. We’ve had 102 mammograms done. So, we feel that the word is getting out. As we move from community to community, state to state, the word is getting out. When they see the mammography bus roll in, they know we are there to help and support.
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