CSD Receives American Cancer Society Grant

From: CSD - Jan 31, 2005
_______________________
PRESS ANNOUNCEMENT
Release Date: January 31, 2005
Contact: Derric Miller
CSD Communications Office

CSD Receives American Cancer Society Grant

ST. PAUL, MINN. and SIOUX FALLS, S.D. — CSD offices in St. Paul, Minn., and Sioux Falls, S.D., have been awarded a grant through the American Cancer Society (ACS) to raise awareness of cancer risks, prevention and detection among the deaf and hard of hearing population.

CSD's Alcohol and Drug Prevention Department will spearhead the Cancer Awareness for Deaf and Hard of Hearing project, providing education to deaf and hard of hearing communities in Minnesota and South Dakota. Primary emphasis will be on utilizing highly visual graphics and instructional materials within the distance education medium as well as deaf and hard of hearing "quit support" groups. CSD will use its health education expertise and outreach expertise to plan and organize culturally competent cancer awareness and smoking cessation workshops and outreach activities for approximately 4,500 deaf and hard of hearing youth, young adults, and adults.

"We were looking for programs that address an identified need, are unique in their approach and have measurable outcomes," said Carolyn Mesbah, ACS health promotions director. "The grants are intended to strengthen the recipients' capacity to deliver community cancer control services while supporting the American Cancer Society's goals to prevent cancer, save lives and diminish cancer suffering."

"Like other underserved populations, deaf and hard of hearing individuals deserve access to the same vital health resources each American has access to," said Benjamin Soukup, CSD chief executive officer. "This grant will allow deaf and hard of hearing residents in the Twin Cities and Sioux Falls area access to a tremendous resource for cancer awareness, risk and detection."

For further information, contact Ken Breslow, project leader with CSD's Alcohol and Drug Prevention Program, at (866) 246-5759 or e-mail kbreslow@c-s-d.org.

About CSD – CSD (also known as Communication Service for the Deaf) was established in 1975, primarily to provide sign language interpreting services to deaf and hard of hearing adults in South Dakota. Today, CSD employs approximately 3,000 individuals in offices across the nation, providing a broad continuum of social and human service programs, as well as telecommunications relay services. CSD is a private, nonprofit agency dedicated to providing quality services; ensuring public accessibility; and increasing awareness of issues affecting deaf, hard of hearing and individuals with speech disabilities. For more information, please visit www.c-s-d.org.

About American Cancer Society-- The American Cancer Society is dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem by saving lives, diminishing suffering and preventing cancer through research, education, advocacy and service. Founded in 1913, the American Cancer Society has 14 regional divisions and local offices in 3,400 communities, involving millions of volunteers across the United States. For more information anytime, call the American Cancer Society toll free at 1.800.ACS.2345 or visit www.cancer.org.

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