Community Health Advisor - American Cancer Society

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Do you have what it takes to be a CHA????

The American Cancer Society is launching a new program in several areas across the nation. The program is called the "CHA" program which stands for Community Health Advisor. Over 1,500 residents of Harrison, Lewis and Marion Counties have heard the words "you have cancer" in the last 5 years and almost 250 of those were women who were diagnosed with breast cancer. Because of numbers like these Harrison, Marion and Lewis Counties have been selected as one of the initial sites to start this program. The CHA program will identify and train area women who will then go out into the community to improve the health of local residents by guiding them to seek appropriate screenings for breast, cervical and colon cancer and to help them locate services that will enable them to accomplish these screenings.

Who can be a CHA?

Anyone within the community who has the desire to improve the health of area residents can apply.

How are CHAs trained?

Currently, there are over 20 women who have completed CHA training. However, more CHAs mean more West Virginia women in Harrison, Lewis and Marion Counties can be directed towards lifesaving cancer screenings. A CHA training session consists of one 6 hour session that will be held on a Saturday with meals provided. CHAs are then asked to attend one meeting per month and commit to a maximum of 10 hours per month to be out in the community educating and communicating with area residents.

CHA can make a difference!

Let’s make the CHA program a part of helping to save lives in Harrison, Lewis and Marion Counties by educating the people of our community on the importance of early detection and cancer screening. It is a small investment of time to make a huge impact in the lives of people in our community. To find out more call Kathy Molnar of the American Cancer Society at 304-680-6386 or email her at kathy.molnar@cancer.org. Can’t volunteer yourself but perhaps know someone who might be interested? If you give contact information the ACS will contact them. Thank you in advance for your help with this very important project!