With a mission to raise awareness about two pressing issues affecting communities today, Alabama State University’s Health Services and She Care Wellness Pods teamed up Friday, Oct. 11, to host a dynamic breast cancer and domestic violence awareness event. Held from 2:30 to 4 p.m. at the She Care Wellness Pods behind Bessie Benson Hall, the event brought attention to these life-altering issues, particularly their impact on African American women, while emphasizing early detection, mental health and available resources. The event not only informed but also empowered students to take action for their well-being.
Breast cancer and domestic violence continue to pose significant threats to women’s health, both on and off college campuses. Breast cancer remains the second leading cause of cancer deaths among women in the U.S., with a mortality rate of 19.9 per 100,000 women. However, thanks to advances in early detection and treatment, survival rates have significantly improved, with a five-year survival rate of 90% for those diagnosed early. Yet, disparities remain, particularly for late-stage or metastatic diagnoses, where survival rates drop to 30%.
Domestic violence, particularly intimate partner violence, is equally alarming, affecting one in four women across the nation. On college campuses, the issue is pervasive, with research indicating that 13% of college women experience domestic violence during their time in school. This type of violence contributes significantly to female homicide rates, with one in three female homicides in the U.S. committed by an intimate partner. These statistics underscore the need for ongoing awareness, prevention efforts and support systems for women dealing with both breast cancer and domestic violence.
Joyce Loyd Davis, Ph.D., emphasized the importance of the event and its focus on community awareness.
“We had this event to promote awareness about both domestic violence and breast cancer,” Davis said. “They both have such an impact on our community, especially Afro-American women. We want to bring these things to the light and help people understand the importance of early detection. Whether they’re doing self-breast examinations, mammograms or clinical exams, we wanted to make sure that information is provided. While it is really cute to wear pink, we want people to really understand the message behind it.”
In addition to raising awareness, the event also celebrated survivors of both breast cancer and domestic violence. Davis highlighted some of the day’s most exciting moments.
“The students loved the handbags! They were courtesy of Kate Spade New York,” Davis said excitedly. “Another highlight was President Ross’ attendance. He was there to give away the handbags along with myself. We gave the bags away as an incentive to encourage students to come back to the She Care Wellness Pods, participate in the therapy sessions and be aware of the state of their mental wellbeing.”
Faith Blackwell, a senior vocal performance major with a minor in psychology, echoed the importance of creating a safe space for students.
“We are here to inform students about domestic violence and on the importance of breast checks,” Blackwell said. “As a worker at the She Care Wellness Pods, we’re here to make sure students have a safe place here on ASU’s campus that provides a mental safe space. This event is so important because it sheds light on things we can do sooner to help or prevent issues like domestic violence and breast cancer.”
The She Care Wellness Pods provided students with opportunities to participate in mini therapy, mindfulness and meditation sessions. Tamika Mims, She Care Wellness Pod manager, explained the event’s holistic approach.
“We got together and planned this event so that students had the opportunity to participate in mini therapy sessions and mindfulness sessions and meditation sessions,” Mims shared. “We also gave out Chick-Fil-A boxes, sweets, as well as three Kate Spade purses.”
Brandy Taylor, a registered nurse (RN) and certified mindfulness facilitator, spoke on the importance of mental wellness in addressing both breast cancer and domestic violence.
“What we did today at the She Care Wellness Pods was raise awareness on breast cancer as well as domestic violence that can actually happen on campus,” Taylor said. “That could be things like sexual assault, violent communication, financial abuse and things of that nature. A big thing we want students to take away from this is that self-care is not selfish and that they really matter. Let’s break the stigma on mental illness and really focus on being proactive and having mental wellness.”