Breast Cancer Awareness Walk Held at Queensbridge Houses

On October 22, Community Mediation Services (CMS), a partner in the City’s Health Advocacy Partners Program (HAPP), hosted its first breast cancer awareness walk, which began at Queensbridge Houses and ended in Queensbridge Park. With more than 150 walkers included NYCHA residents, community health workers, and local leaders, the walk brought the community together to raise awareness about breast cancer and promote early detection.  

“This has been one of our biggest community events, and we are so proud to have been able to represent all the diverse cultural groups that make up Queensbridge,” said Edward Richardson, Community Health Worker Supervisor for CMS. 

CMS is one of four NYCHA partners and NYC Health Department grantees in the HAPP program, which works to improve the health and wellbeing of NYCHA residents through personalized health coaching with community health workers, group wellness, and community and civic engagement activities. HAPP is part of Public Health Corps, a citywide initiative designed to combat health inequities through the involvement of trusted community members.  

Gloria Mesa, NYCHA’s Community Health Worker Program Coordinator, attended the walk to support the event. “It was a wonderful experience,” Ms. Mesa said. “Community health workers are making a tremendous impact in Queensbridge. Whether they are providing health coaching, assisting with resource navigation, or organizing events for community members, they do so much for the community they serve.” 

Also in attendance was Dr. Toni Eyssallenne, Acting Chief Medical Officer at the NYC Health Department. “The Breast Cancer Awareness Walk hosted by the HAPP team at Community Mediation Services in Queensbridge showed what’s possible when community comes together with purpose and heart,” Dr. Eyssallenne said. “While the event was about raising awareness about the importance of early detection, it was also about celebrating survivors and neighbors supporting neighbors. Events like this remind us that when we walk in solidarity, we create ripple effects across the community, inspiring more people to get screened, talk openly about their health, and look out for one another.” 

To learn more about breast cancer, screenings, and where to get mammograms, visit Breast Cancer – NYC Health.  

Queensbridge Houses residents interested in learning more about the CMS HAPP program should visit Queensbridge Health Advocacy Partners Program (HAPP) – Community Mediation Services. 

All photos and video courtesy of Community Mediation Services.