Early Detection is Key
Get Your Annual Mammogram
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Breast Cancer Awareness Month is an annual campaign to increase awareness of the disease, encourage support for survivors, and honor those we've lost. This October, join the cause by donating, educating, supporting, and sharing stories of hope.
DONATE: choose a one-time or monthly donation to help women in need access screening and treatment services through the National Breast Cancer Foundation's (NBCF) donation portal. Donations can be directed specifically to screening, education, or support services or into a general fund for the foundation.
EDUCATE: educate yourself and your loved ones about the warning signs, increased risk, and locate nearby detection and prevention services. Routinely perform self-exams and warn your doctor of any concerns. Download the NBCF's free eBook to learn more about breast cancer.
SUPPORT: virtually volunteer with NBCF and Helping Women Now, a group whose mission is to provide help and inspire hope to those affected by breast cancer. Volunteers can simply pack breast health information kits and write letters of encouragement or become organizers for group efforts within their own communities. Use social media to share information and messages of hope as well as raise money using virtual or Facebook fundraisers.
HOPE: share stories of how you or your loved ones have been affected by breast cancer and encourage others to do the same. Proudly wear a pink ribbon to raise awareness and show support for those affected.
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Be the Hero Your Community Deserves this Halloween
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This year, Halloween traditions such as door-to-door trick-or-treating and crowded costume parties present a high risk of exposure to and spread of COVID-19. Socially distanced pumpkin carving, neighborhood scavenger hunts, and virtual scary movie nights are just a few of the CDC's suggestions to keep your holiday spooky AND safe. See the full list of activities and the risk levels associated here.
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CMS Urges Individuals 65 and Older to Get a Flu Shot
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People who are 65 and older are at high risk of having serious health complications from the flu. Now more than ever, everyone needs to do their part to prevent the spread of illnesses like the flu.
Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, fewer people are getting vaccines which puts their communities at greater risk for other preventable diseases. When people with Medicare get the flu shot, it helps protect them and keeps them from spreading the flu to others.
Medicare covers the cost of the flu shot, which is available at most health care provider offices, local pharmacies, senior centers, health centers, and other places in the community.
This year, we’re developing many new flu vaccination resources for people with Medicare, partners, providers, and others who can share our message. Please use our resources to encourage people with Medicare to get their flu shot so they and their communities can stay healthy. We ask that if you do share this information or resources to please reply to this email with a quick note letting us know how you shared it (through what media) and with approximately how many people. It helps us know if resources like these are of value.
Finally, CMS Kansas City will be hosting a webinar on October 15 from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. to highlight the flu campaign information and provide an overview of the available resources. Please register for the webinar at https://cmsfluresourcesandinformationformissouri.eventbrite.com. Once registered, you will receive a response with the webinar link.
Consumer Resources on Medicare.gov
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Make a Plan to Celebrate the
Power of Rural
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This National Rural Health Day, honor the "can-do" community spirit of Rural America and highlight the unique health care obstacles they face. Community engagement toolkits are available featuring free, downloadable, and customizable posters, graphics, PowerPoint templates, and more to enhance your community outreach efforts.
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Learn more about the flu vaccine, check to see if you are at higher risk for flu complications, and read the CDC's answers to FAQs about the 2020-21 flu season.
"The more people vaccinated; the more people protected."
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Help is Only a Call (or Text) Away
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The COVID-19 pandemic and resulting rates of unemployment and evictions are leading to increased instances of suicidal ideation, especially in Black and Brown and rural communities. Limited access to affordable health care, health insurance, and internet can prevent help reaching those in crisis who need it.
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline and the Crisis Text Line are two immediate, free options that connect you with a live person, no health insurance necessary. People who do not feel comfortable or safe speaking over the hotline can instead text HOME to 741-741 to chat via text with a crisis counselor.
Social distancing guidelines and stay-at-home orders are causing new and overwhelming feelings of isolation which can quickly become a risk for suicidal thoughts. Stay connected with loved ones, check in often, and don't be afraid to ask for help.
YOU ARE NOT ALONE.
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