Sweetheart Screenings Assist with Prevention

By Jennifer L. Warren

NEWBURGH – Cancer is personal for Luis Abramson, and awareness is everything.
That journey, along with his deep care for his Orange County community, led the two-time cancer survivor to partner his non-profit, CHJIS Support Services with Orange County Department of Health and its Outreach and Equity Divisions, creating the Annual Sweetheart Screening event a few years ago.

“I’ve lived and walked in the shoes as a survivor of cancer,” said Abramson, who was helping out at the prostate screening locale, inside the mobile unit parked outside of the Newburgh Unity Armory Center, where he too had earlier taken the prostate specific antigen (PSA) blood test. “Screenings save lives.”

Six of those critical, potentially life-saving screenings were being conducted during the four hour venue. Blood pressure, cholesterol, breast, prostate, skin and vision checks for children were all being offered where health was at the forefront on this red-themed Valentine’s Day, honoring love and relationships, both connected to life longevity.

“We are providing education on what blood pressure and cholesterol mean and to follow up with doctors if needed,” said Bryan Welsh, Director of Public Health Emergency Preparedness (PHEP) who was returning for his second year and giving non-fasting cholesterol and blood pressure screenings. “We’ve already had around 40 people and only are halfway through the event.”

Another screening booth, one directed at skin cancer detection, was led by Dr. Josh Shapiro, a dermatologist, equipped with 23 years of experience, who has been recently hosting an assortment of screenings in Orange County, making his first appearance at this annual February event.

“Larisa Sampson, one of the organizers of the event, invited me to come here, as she saw I was doing a lot of community screening events,” said Dr. Shapiro. “Skin cancer is probably one of the most common cancers, but also very treatable- curable if caught early; “We have already had around 25-30 people get screened halfway through the event, and it’s been wonderful getting lots of questions I’m able to answer as well as provide information.
The event also featured a DJ, pizza and salad lunch, photo booth, prizes, raffles and several guest speakers, comprising a health seminar, relaying integral information. Whether it was learning about screenings available for lung, cervical, and colon cancer, the timetables of when to take each of the integral exams, how not all cancers have warning signs or are hereditary, proactive ways to take care of oneself, or a host of other medical pearls of wisdom, guests were reminded of the need to prioritize their health in order to live their very best lives.

Returning for the third year was Cornerstone Family Health Center. Two of its staff was busy registering guests indoors for complimentary breast exams which were conducted in the privacy of an outdoor mobile facility. The procedures were led by Cornerstone Doctor, Carline Louis-Jacques, and two assistants, something several were deeply appreciative to have available.

“Everyone who has gotten an exam today has been extremely grateful; many had no insurance and were very worried they could not get the exam, so they were happy to find out they could do so here for no charge,” said Ralph Burnett, Outreach Coordinator for Cornerstone.”These exams are very important to get, especially if you are able to catch things early; we also partner with the American Cancer Society as well as Healthy Orange, bringing our mobile unit to the Farmers Market on 130 Broadway in October.”

Some of the other representatives lending their time and efforts to the very productive and rewarding day included; Mount Sinai, Vanguard Dermatology, Mid Hudson Chocolate Milk, NAACP of Middletown’s Health Committer, Orange County Medical Reserve Corps., Lions Club and SUNY Orange.

“It is so very important for the community to be educated on the resources they have available to help in the fight against cancer,” said Jennifer Ward of Lenox Hill Radiology, who was on hand for the second year, providing information on the pressing need of getting screenings to combat cancer, while repeating the overriding mantra-for being proactive about several health issues- that transcended the day. “Early detection saves lives.”
It’s a reality Abramson knows very well.

“One in eight men will get prostate cancer,” said Abramson. “Taking just a simple blood test can make all the difference.”