For Our Daughters
Choose a pathway of involvement for yourself. Your time, talents and tax deductible contribution will make a profound difference!

Huntington Breast Cancer Action Coalition (HBCAC) is a not-for-profit grassroots organization dedicated to the ultimate eradication of breast cancer through education and awareness. Our mission is to focus on prevention methods while actively helping those who are faced with a positive diagnosis.

Since 1992, Huntington Breast Cancer Action Coalition has forged accessible pathways of involvement in the complex issue of breast health. Those pathways include:

• AWARENESS

HBCAC works to keep breast cancer awareness in the forefront of public concern on Long Island.

• EDUCATION

HBCAC informs the public on methods available for early detection/screening and general breast health. We have created a network for breast health consumers consisting of educational resources, trained volunteers and breast care experts. We work in partnership with local hospitals, medical offices, nutritional counselors and governmental agencies.

• ADVOCACY

At every level of government, from Huntington Town Hall to Washington D.C., we encourage research, funding and legislation that will focus on prevention and intervention; ultimately leading to the eradication of breast cancer.

• COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT

HBCAC mobilizes volunteers and community minded people in a broad based "coalition of concern". Our community outreach includes speakers, lectures, panelists, seminars, publications, newsletters, resource guides, calendars and other informative references.

• SUPPORT

HBCAC provides ongoing support groups, educational programs and other resources and products for women and men diagnosed with breast cancer.

HBCAC coordinates a vigorous campaign on behalf of breast health, embracing every segment of the population.

One to one support services is offered to residents inquiring about breast health and breast cancer issues. Our Epicenter staff and volunteers provide important referral and pertinent resources. This personal contact helps the caller obtain necessary information, therefore is an example of our philosophy "what can we do for you?

Our Resource Center is staffed by volunteers answering hundreds of calls and coordinating referrals on diverse matters relating to breast health.

We continually offer free educational outreach programs to the community.

A Gift of Health & Inspiration is an attractive tote bag filled with heartwarming gifts for women leaving Huntington Hospital and Memorial Sloan Kettering, Commack facility after surgery. Items like a personal journal, survivor handbook, yoga video, music cd, scented candle and lip balm are included to help uplift the spirits during a hard time.

ART & FACTS KIT is a beautiful artfully designed box compiled with up-to-date breast health information. Presented as a gift box, it provides vital knowledge and helpful insights. Free kits can be obtained by request from HBCAC.

NEWSLETTER MAGAZINE - "Take A Moment for Yourself," focuses on all aspects of breast cancer at local, regional and national levels.  This publication is complete with informative updates on legislation, health issues, resources and keeps the public abreast of HBCAC's community work. 

Our "LEND A HELPING HAND" program provides support and assistance to Huntington residents undergoing treatment. Services such as medical transportation, house cleaning, emergency medical supplies and medication, and more, all free of charge to qualifying residents. The purpose is to help bring support and needed relief from the stress of dealing with a positive diagnosis.

INTEGRATIVE HEALTH NETWORK offers complementary and holistic approaches to therapy through a team of professional health practitioners. This wellness program includes alternative treatment and care such as chiropractic, massage therapy, acupuncture and more.

BREAST AWARENESS TRAINING (B.A.T.) presentation is geared toward high school aged females and young women. We encourage breast self exams, facts about breast cancer and breast health awareness, with an emphasis on the importance of taking lifelong responsibilities for the body and choosing healthy lifestyle habits.

Our founder and president, Karen Joy Miller is a community advisor to the NCI Long Island Breast Cancer Study Project (LIBCSP), a study mandated by Congress and currently researching the possible environmental causes in Nassau and Suffolk Counties.

Initiated by HBCAC and supported by the Town of Huntington, the "I Am Fed Naturally" lawn flag campaign provides educational programs to encourage a healthy approach to garden & lawn maintenance.

MAKE A DIFFERENCE

HBCAC's leadership in serving our community has been recognized by the American Cancer Society, National Cancer Institute, National Institute of Health, Members of United States Congress, Suffolk County Executive, Huntington Town Board and many prominent regional healthcare institutions, including Huntington Hospital.

Our founder and president, Karen Joy Miller is a community advisor to the NCI Long Island Breast Cancer Study Project (LIBCSP), a study mandated by Congress and currently researching the possible environmental causes in Nassau and Suffolk Counties.

Above all, we're working together to make "a difference for our daughters." But we cannot act alone- won't you be a part of making a difference...Change Happens When People Get Involved!

In Spring 2005, HBCAC published the BREAST CANCER PREVALENCE & GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SURVEY book based on 1993-1998 breast health survey results which helped determine the breast health status in the township of Huntington.

The essential mission of HBCAC is to create accessible pathways of involvement. Our focus is the intervention and prevention of breast cancer; to improve access to breast cancer detection, treatment and care; and to actively encourage breast cancer research and funding. In the daily pursuit of these goals, we are guided by several fundamental philosophies:

• We believe that women should be comfortable and accountable for their own breast health.
• We encourage responsibility and partnership with each individual's chosen health practitioner.
• We believe that a unified approach is necessary to affect a large scale change
  . . . but personal control is necessary for the health of the individual.
• We recognize that service to the community requires an evolving network of partnerships.
• We believe that vigorous research is necessary to understand why breast cancer is so prevalent on Long Island, so that its multiple causes can be eradicated.

(PITC) a collaborative educational campaign brings focus on the causes of disease rather than ways of coping with it once diagnosed. PITC seeks to INCREASE public awareness of environmental links to disease; GAIN support for the Precautionary Principle, as it applies to public policy; URGE the public to demand more funding for environmental health research and ENCOURAGE a "better safe than sorry" attitude toward personal lifestyle.

Visit www.preventionisthecure.org