News & Events

Conference Review

5th Annual Breast and Cervical Health Partner Training Institute

This year’s event was held at a new location in Yakima, WA on August 15th and 16th, 2007 at the Clarion Hotel and Conference Center. Since 2003 a diverse group of organizations and partners have collaborated to plan and implement annual Breast and Cervical Health Partner Training Institutes. The purpose of the event was to provide individuals working in the breast and cervical health field with the tools and education necessary to do their jobs more effectively. Approximately 55 participants from around the state attended this year’s PTI.

The two-day training boasted a full agenda and provided an energized environment for networking, updates, information sharing and training. The planning committee brought back by popular demand, Ms. Terie Dreussi Smith for the first day of training, which focused on the culture of generational poverty and how the differences in economic cultures impact opportunities. The seminar allowed participants to gain a deeper understanding of how the dynamics of living in poverty may drive behavior, norms, views on health care, and interactions with providers. Overall, the participants thought the seminar was very engaging. “Outstanding! Great energy! Wonderful information!” was just a few of the comments from participants.

Day Two of the training covered a broad range of topics from updates in cancer research to an overview of the National Cancer Institute’s Using What Works program that showed participants how you can find, adapt, and use evidence-based strategies that really work. Dr. Zolessi provided participants with a basic orientation to digital mammograms, MRI’s, CAD’s and liquid based Pap tests. Additionally, Cancer Lifeline provided participants with information about financial resources that are available to assist their clients.

Overall, the participants felt the information presented was very relevant and provided them with new knowledge and resources to apply in their work environment. Also, participants enjoyed the opportunity to network with others dedicated to educating their community’s about breast and cervical cancer. We hope that everyone that was unable to attend this year will be able to join us in the future!

If you or your organization is interested in becoming a sponsor or a member of the planning committee for the 6th Annual Partner Training Institute, please contact Sharlynn Rima, CIS Partnership Program Coordinator – Northwest Region, at 509-358-7813 or srima@fhcrc.org.

A special thank you to the sponsors…

• Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center
• MERCK
• National Cancer Institute’s Cancer Information Service
• Susan G. Komen for the Cure Eastern Washington Affiliate
• Susan G. Komen for the Cure Puget Sound Affiliate
• The Breast Cancer Fund
• Washington State Department of Health, Breast & Cervical Health Program
• Washington State University Cancer Prevention and Research Center
• Yakima Valley Farm Workers Clinic
• Yakima Valley Memorial Hospital