Trenton Health Team (THT) is partnering with Reinas y Diamantes for the 5th annual Breast Cancer Awareness Month event, Trenton In Pink, from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. on October 16, 2021 at 375 Morris Avenue (rain date Oct 23).
Henry J. Austin Health Center staff will provide free COVID-19 vaccinations during the event for anyone age 12+ and THT will register eligible clients for free mammograms at an upcoming clinic. Other community partners will provide live music, food, games and prizes.
Corin Garcia, founder of Reinas y Diamantes and Mujeres in Power, lost her mother and friends to breast cancer. She launched the annual event to raise awareness about the benefits of early detection and treatment. This year, she expanded the focus to address a wider range of health concerns and challenges.
“I work with ladies that tell me they are scared to go to the doctor, or don’t have insurance, or don’t know of the resources available to support them,” Garcia said. “It’s important to host an event like this in the middle of our community to educate people, to give people access to resources in a fun setting, and to show people that they don’t need to be scared because there are organizations that care about their health.”
Rates of hypertension, diabetes and some cancers are higher in Trenton, reflecting “social determinants of health” such as low household income, environmental hazards, unhealthy food options, and lack of health insurance, according the 2019 Community Health Needs and Assets Assessment (CHNAA).
In addition, Trenton’s vaccination rate is hovering at 71% — below the state goal of 85% fully vaccinated adults.
Trenton In Pink helps address these concerns by providing free access to COVID-19 vaccines, health screenings, and a chance to register for free mammograms through the New Jersey Cancer Education and Early Detection (NJCEED) program.
Trenton In Pink will feature prizes for visitors and $25 grocery gift certificates for those getting a COVID-19 vaccination, while supplies last. Participating organizations include:
  • Latino Merchants Association
  • Womanspace
  • Ritmo radio
  • Luz Esperanza Vida
  • Trenton Free Public Library
  • Isles
  • City of Trenton
  • Herbalife
  • Mercer County Hispanic Association (MECHA)
  • Latin Amerian Legal Defense and Education Fund (LALDEF)
“This event is so important for our community,” said THT Executive Director Gregory Paulson. “It allows our organizations to bring vital health information and resources directly to those who need them most but often face barriers to care.”

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