HEAD START of Greater Dallas, Inc - Download as DOC

							                                  3954 Gannon Lane, Dallas, TX 75237


PRESS RELEASE                                                                         MEDIA CONTACT:
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                  Andress Koenning
                                                                                      Cell: 979-574-3814
                                                                                    Office: 972-331-9565
                                                                             Email: akoenning@hsgd.org

The Margaret H. Cone Head Start Center Celebrates Head Start Awareness and Breast Cancer
 Awareness with Fair Promoting a “Head Start on Breast Health” for Southeast Dallas Moms

October 12, 2012 (Dallas, TX) – Today, parents and students celebrated both Head Start and Breast
Cancer Awareness Month with a health fair at the Margaret H. Cone Head Start Center in Southeast
Dallas. After the loss of a young Head Start mother to breast cancer last year, the importance of early
detection was reinforced in her honor.

A special ceremony in Ms. Tarrie Moody’s honor took place followed by a balloon release. It was the
organization’s hope that by honoring Ms. Moody’s memory it would encourage mothers to get
mammograms and learn about preventative care. Her mother and siblings were in attendance.

“Head Start has a unique position in the community to educate parents on the importance of good
health in their lives and their children’s lives. Partnering with community experts like Bridge Breast and
Methodist Health allow mothers in particular to gain needed access to preventative care they may have
otherwise not received,” said CEO Wanda M. Smith.

Head Start partners with organizations like Methodist Health Systems to educate our parents,
particularly moms, on the importance of breast health and prevention through early detection and
healthy living. The Margaret H. Cone Center hosted Methodist’s mobile mammography unit to give free
screenings and information about breast health. Preschool students at the center participated in the
children’s Bike Ride for a Cure and other fun activities to increase awareness in this under-reached area
of the community.

“The Susan G. Komen Dallas County Affiliate conducted a Community Profile. The findings were alarming
in southern Dallas County zip codes 75215, 75210, 75216, 75241, and 75232. Additional demographic
data shows the population to be predominately African American with high initial stage III and IV breast
cancer.” – Parkland Health Hospital Services email to community leaders

About Head Start of Greater Dallas
Head Start of Greater Dallas is a non-profit organization in Dallas that provides children with the
foundation of skills and knowledge they need to be successful in school and life and fosters self-reliant
families and communities. The agency currently serves over 4,400 children at 46 full-day centers located
throughout Dallas County. The agency is dependent on community support for approximately $9 million
every year.
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