A better understanding of breast cancer as well as preventative and treatment options will be among topics at October’s Lunch & Learn presented by the Community Health Improvement Network (CHIN).

Dr. Amy Coleman, a board certified radiologist at the Breast Cancer Center at Anderson Regional Hospital, will be guest speaker at the Wednesday, Oct. 19 meet, which will begin at 12 p.m. at Velma Young Community Center.

“1 in 8 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer,” Coleman said. “This Lunch & Learn is a great opportunity to provide women basic information about breast cancer.”

During her 15-minute presentation, Coleman discussed the importance of annual mammograms and monthly Breast Self-Examination (BSE), as well as offer “common sense breast cancer facts,” she said. “Finding breast cancer early saves lives,” Coleman said. “Your best defense is yearly mammograms.”

CHIN President Beverly Knox said the Lunch & Learn appeals to all women, especially those underinsured and uninsured. At the October meeting, Knox will promote the Breast and Cervical Health Program, which provides access and offers 100% financial support for women who are underinsured or uninsured and need breast and cervical health services.

Lunch & Learn is one of several community health education events sponsored by CHIN in partnership with Meridian area organizations, churches, and hospitals.

“The most valued part of the luncheons has been the discussion between community residents and medical professionals,” Knox said. “Open dialogue concerning community health along with health screening opportunities can help stop or even prevent more serious illnesses.”

About Community Health Improvement Network (CHIN)

Initiated in 2016, the Community Heath Improvement Network (CHIN) is a rural health network with a mission to facilitate collaboration among community and provider partners to create joint programs and cooperative ventures that improve and sustain health care access and quality delivery, especially for underserved and underprivileged populations in Lauderdale County, and the surrounding area.

CHIN recently merged into The Montgomery Institute and as a result, the Institute is taking on the network’s mission to coordinate the community’s response to healthcare needs identified by community health assessments performed by hospitals and other organizations in Lauderdale County. Current CHIN partners include: Anderson Regional Health System, Alliance Health Center, City of Meridian, East Central Healthnet, East Mississippi Business Development Corporation, Greater Meridian Health Clinic, Mississippi State Department of Health, Meridian Community College, Meridian Housing Authority, Mississippi State University-Meridian, Ochsner Rush Health Systems, The Free Clinic of Meridian, and the Phil Hardin Foundation.