Op-Ed: Honoring Cervical Cancer Awareness Month: Empowering Women through Early Detection and Access to Care

January marks the beginning of Cervical Cancer Awareness Month, a time to reflect on the importance of early detection, education, and access to care in the fight against cervical cancer. As the President and CEO of Maternal and Family Health Services (MFHS), I am proud to lead an organization that is dedicated to empowering women to take control of their health, supporting them with the resources and services they need, and ensuring they have access to the critical screenings that can save their lives.

Cervical cancer, while preventable, continues to claim lives every year, especially among women who face barriers to healthcare access. But through consistent screenings, education, and HPV vaccinations, we have the power to reduce the incidence of this devastating disease and improve outcomes for women everywhere.

At MFHS, we are committed to providing the essential healthcare services women deserve. As a trusted partner in reproductive and maternal healthcare, we offer a range of services designed to make preventive care and screenings accessible, affordable, and welcoming.

This month, and every month, let us take action to protect our health, spread awareness, and advocate for better access to care for all women. Schedule a screening, talk to your healthcare provider, and know that you are not alone in this journey. MFHS is here to support you every step of the way. We are proud to offer services that make women's health a priority, and we are committed to breaking down the barriers to care that too often prevent women from seeking the screenings and treatments they need.

MFHS has HPV vaccines and same day appointments available. To learn more about cervical cancer, screenings, or to schedule an appointment, visit mfhs.org. or call 570-595-4496.

Together, we can reduce the impact of cervical cancer and ensure that every woman has the opportunity to live a healthy, empowered life.

Maria Montoro Edwards, PhD

President & CEO, Maternal and Family Health Services

About Maternal Family Health Services: Maternal and Family Health Services is a non- profit health and human service organization working to improve the health of Pennsylvania women and children by offering programs that prevent disease, promote wellness, and empower individuals to make healthy choices. The agency oversees a network of health and nutrition centers in 17 Pennsylvania counties serving over 90,000 individuals each year through the following core programs: WIC Nutrition Program, Family Planning Program, Nurse-Family Partnership, breast and cervical cancer screenings, and the Healthy Beginnings Plus Prenatal Program. For more information, call 1-800-367-6347, or visit www.mfhs.org.