The 2021 Compass Now Community Health Needs Assessment Report revealed that only 44% of women received their annual mammogram in Vernon County. Gundersen St. Joseph’s found this alarming, and they were determined to do something about it...something big!
October is Breast Cancer Awareness month and St. Joe’s launched their #YesMamm campaign to encourage women to say yes to scheduling their mammograms. “We wanted to do something that would catch people’s attention,” stated Brooke Mikla, Community Wellness Coordinator, “Something bold and positive!”
St. Joe’s partnered with Hillsboro’s local coffee shop, Let’s Shine, and designed personalized coffee sleeves. The hot pink coffee sleeves encouraged women to schedule their annual mammogram with their provider. The coffee sleeves stated, “Early Detection is Breast Protection,” along with “Hey Girl, Let’s Shine and Schedule Our Mammograms!” The coffee sleeves were given out to each person that ordered a warm beverage to shine a light on women’s health throughout October.
Additionally, Gundersen St. Joseph’s expanded access to mammography screenings during the month of October with extended hours, including early evening appointments. St. Joe’s also stenciled messages like “Mammos Matter,” and “This October, Say #YesMamm,” on the sidewalks around the hospital campus and on their local walking trail to encourage women to schedule their mammograms.
When analyzing mammogram numbers in October 2022 and October 2023, St. Joseph’s imaging department experienced a 38% increase in mammograms. Promotion like this works!