One day after launching the Helping Virgin Islanders Breathe Easier asthma awareness campaign, Lieutenant Governor Gregory R. Francis lent his support to raise awareness about breast and cervical cancer.  The Lt. Governor and Second Lady Cheryl Francis were part of the launch of the Pilot Breast and Cervical Cancer Screening Program.  The program is an initiative of the Virgin Islands Department of Health, in partnership with St. Thomas native Dr. Bert Petersen of Global Cancer Control.  The launch took place on March 5, 2008 at the Charles Harwood Complex on St. Croix.

Raising cancer awareness is not new to the Francis’, who led a cervical cancer screening program in 2007.  The program screened approximately 500 women territory-wide.

The Department of Health’s Breast and Cervical Cancer screening program was previously introduced to the territory in 2003 after legislation created the Tobacco Settlement Healthcare Fund.  The cancer screening program was the first project utilizing monies from this fund.  Dr. Petersen said the program failed because it was not culturally sensitive.  “The redesign of the 2003 program, for sustainable and long term success will require a program that embraces culture and linguistic diversity,” Petersen said.

Health Commissioner Vivian Fludd said the program represents one step forward in the Department’s effort to improve health care services.  She commended Governor John P. deJongh, Jr. and Lt. Governor Gregory R. Francis for their commitment to providing healthcare access and services, particularly to the poor and disenfranchised. 

Lt. Governor Francis said the fight against breast and cervical cancer will take the efforts and energy of the entire Virgin Islands community.  “We must do this for our wives, mothers, daughters, sisters and aunts, and all of the women who will nurture and encourage the future of the Virgin Islands,” he stated.  Francis commended Commissioner Fludd, Dr. Petersen and their network of health professionals for their commitment in reducing disparities in cancer care and providing opportunities for early detection screening.

Former Virgin Islands Senator Anne Golden, who worked on the legislation that established the Tobacco Settlement Healthcare Fund, and Mrs. Gwen Brady, Chief of Staff to Senate President Usie R. Richards, also offered remarks and pledged support of the cancer screening initiative.