Sister Pact to Increase Breast Cancer Survival in Milwaukee's Inner City

Sister Pact is a breast cancer awareness program that encourages women to make a commitment to address their breast health.

The call-to-action program formed in response to a 2016 report on Breast and Colorectal Cancer Survival Disparities in an 8-county region in southeastern Wisconsin, including the City of Milwaukee.

To see the report click here

In Milwaukee, dozens of community groups, neighborhood associations, health organizations, local leaders, faith organizations, businesses, and others are collaborating on community events and resources for the Sister Pact program.

On Wednesday,  the Wisconsin Breast Cancer Task Force hosted a kick-off event to unveil a targeted ad campaign using local women at the Social Development Commission on North Avenue.

The program's goal is to motivate African-American women living in seven inner-city Milwaukee zip codes to make a pact with a friend or family member to get a mammogram.

According to a regional study, women in these targeted areas are nearly twice as likely to die from breast cancer as those living in surrounding neighborhoods. 

Bevan K. Baker, City of Milwaukee Commissioner of Health, joined Dr. Sandra Underwood, Professor at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, in announcing the Sister Pact, along with the local women featured in the upcoming campaign.

"Make a vow," urged Regina Watts-Julien, Breast Cancer Survivor. "We're sisters. Make this pact. I'm with you. Anything I can do for you, I will be there."

To learn more about the sister pact click here

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