Houston, TX August 10, 2017—According to the American Cancer Society, breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death among African American women, due to factors such as late diagnosis and long intervals between mammograms. Of even more concern is the fact that the mortality rate from breast cancer is 40% higher in African American women than Caucasian. Awareness and access are key to impact these alarming statistics and the reason behind The Rose’s Annual Pastors and Community Summit.

The Summit is a collaborative event inviting faith leaders and the public to come together and learn how they can help change breast cancer outcomes for women of color. It will be held on August 31, from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm, in the 3rd Floor Conference Room of The Rose Galleria. The address is 5420 West Loop South, Bellaire, TX 77401.

Houston faith leaders— including pastors, First Ladies, and health ministry representatives—will learn effective ways to promote breast healthcare among churchgoers and share success stories.

“Out of the 845 uninsured African American patients we served last year, 23 were diagnosed with breast cancer and the youngest patient was just 38 years old,” said Dorothy Gibbons, CEO and Co-founder of The Rose. “Events like this help us reach more women and remind them that someone is on their side.”

The mission of The Rose is to save lives through quality breast health services, advocacy, and access to care for all. The Annual Pastors and Community Summit will be held in partnership with several Community Supporters including: Bee Busy Wellness Center, Body of Faith, Dee Coleman/State Farm, The Fort Bend Church, Garden Oaks Church of Christ, Greater Grace Outreach Church, the Greater Houston African American Chamber of Commerce, Houston Health Museum, Houston Museum of African American Culture, MD Anderson Cancer Center, and New Beginning Church.