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In recognition of January as Firefighter Cancer Awareness Month, the Hamot Health Foundation and UPMC Health Plan Neighborhood Center have partnered to provide free cancer screenings for Erie\u2019s first responders\u2014a first-of-its-kind initiative in the region.<\/p>\n
The screenings come in response to alarming statistics from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, which reports that firefighters are 9% more likely to develop cancer and 14% more likely to die from cancer-related causes compared to the general population. The International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) identifies occupational cancer as the leading cause of line-of-duty deaths in the fire service.<\/p>\n
With 132 active firefighters in the City of Erie, the event aims to promote early detection and better health outcomes. Nearly 91% of Erie firefighters scheduled appointments for the screenings, which include ultrasounds, blood draws, and dermatology checks. Each firefighter is screened every half-hour, and all costs are fully covered by Hamot Health Foundation.<\/p>\n
The six-day screening event runs Dec. 1 until Dec. 6 at the newly opened UPMC Health Plan Neighborhood Center, located at 803 East Avenue, Erie, from 6:30 A.M. to 3:30 P.M. daily. This initiative fulfills a long-standing goal of Erie Firefighters IAFF Local 293, which has advocated for comprehensive cancer screenings for the past five years.<\/p>\n
Local media are invited to visit the center on Thursday, Dec. 4, between 8:30 A.M. and 11:00 A.M. to observe the event and speak with organizers and participants.<\/p>\n