Lakeside Medical Center Joins Komen Florida to Introduce New Community Breast Health Navigator

From left:  Janet D. Moreland, APRN, MSN, LHRM, Hospital Administrator; Alicia (Lisa) Wilson, Secretary to Palm Beach County Commisioner Melissa McKinlay; Fanny Jackson, Community Health Breast Navigator; Heather Laughlin, Komen Board Treasurer; Kate Watt, Susan G. Komen Florida Executive Director; Darcy J. Davis, Health Care District CEO; and January Reissman, Community Health Foundation for Palm Beach and Martin Counties.

Residents of the Glades communities have a new resource to turn to in the fight against breast cancer. Belle Glade native Fanny Jackson was introduced as the region’s first Community Breast Health Navigator at a press conference October 30, 2019 at Lakeside Medical Center, the Health Care District of Palm Beach County’s acute care teaching hospital in Belle Glade. Thanks to a grant from Komen Florida, Jackson is now based at the 70-bed hospital to ensure that women and men in the agricultural region receive mammograms, other breast health services and education.

“I know from personal experience that feeling cared for, safe and comfortable is important to those who are confronting breast cancer,” said Janet D. Moreland, ARNP, MSN, LHRM, Lakeside Medical Center’s Administrator, who noted that two of her family members are breast cancer survivors. “But the first step is getting them here. That is what makes the Navigator Program so important. I grew up in Belle Glade. I am passionate about keeping our community healthy. We are confident that working together, we will be able to provide residents with the care they need in a timely manner, to make a positive difference in the lives of those we serve.”

According to the Komen Florida, it’s estimated that breast cancer deaths can be reduced by as much as a third if every woman or man had timely access to care. In 2018, Komen Florida launched the first pilot Community Breast Health Navigator Program in southern Palm Beach County. The program was so successful they expanded to the rural, western communities.

“Many of us know someone, a family member or friend, who has been diagnosed with breast cancer,” said Darcy J. Davis, CEO of the Health Care District.  “We understand the need to diagnose breast cancer as soon as possible. The Health Care District’s mission is to help those most in need, especially here in the Glades, where there is a large, underserved population. The addition of a Community Breast Health Navigator is an important tool to help us fulfill our mission in this community.”

“There are many instances where women and men don’t know where to turn, how to ask for help, or even which doctors to see,” said Kate Watt, Susan G. Komen Florida Executive Director. “I am proud of the work we are doing to fight breast cancer, including pioneering this unique community-based model to break through barriers, increase early detection and help women and men connect to life-saving services.”

Also participating in the initiative is the Community Foundation for Palm Beach and Martin Counties. For additional information on Susan G. Komen Florida’s Community Breast Health Navigation Program, or if you need assistance, please contact (561) 514-3020.

To view coverage of the press announcement at Lakeside Medical Center, please visit https://www.wptv.com/news/region-the-glades/belle-glade/community-breast-health-navigator-program-launched-in-the-glades