FREEHOLD, NJ – The Monmouth County Board of Chosen Freeholders has proclaimed   April 15-21 as Oral Cancer Awareness Week and recognized the efforts the Monmouth Cancer Coalition to raise awareness about the risks of oral cancer and reduce mortality from the disease.

 

During the week of April 15-21, 2010 the Monmouth Cancer Coalition has recruited and organized more than 40 dental and public health providers to provide free oral cancer screening sessions for residents.  

 

The Monmouth County Health Department and the Visiting Nurse Association of Central Jersey are partnering with the Monmouth Cancer Coalition to organize the effort. 

 

“New Jersey has a significantly higher risk of oral cancer than other states, and Monmouth County is higher than the average of New Jersey counties,” said Freeholder Amy A. Mallet in presenting the proclamation to Michael Meddis, Monmouth County Public Health Coordinator. “The Board of Chosen Freeholders is proud to support the Monmouth Cancer Coalition and its coordination of efforts to promote regular oral health screenings. This can make a big difference and education about oral cancer is key to saving lives.”

 

For more information, contact the Monmouth County Health Department at (732) 431-7456, or www.visitmonmouth.com. For more information about the Oral Cancer Screening Initiative and the Monmouth Cancer Coalition, please visit www.monmouthcancercoalition.org or call 732-418-3210.

 

 

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Photo Caption:  On April 8, 2010, the Monmouth County freeholders presented a proclamation to Monmouth Cancer Coalition members recognizing the coalition work in coordinating the April 15 - 21 free oral cancer screenings. Pictured: Dr. David Lederman, chairman of the Workgroup on Oral and Oropharyngeal Cancer; Michael A. Meddis, Public Health Coordinator for the Monmouth County Health Department; Freeholder Amy A. Mallet, liaison to the county Health Department; and Theresa L. Beck, R.N., MPA, CHPN, the Chief Mission Officer and VP of Community Initiative for the Visiting Nurse Association of Central Jersey.