Hospitals in Action >> Case Examples

ST. JOSEPH'S HOSPITAL, Chippewa Falls, WI
Be A Friend 4 Life

What is it?
Be A Friend 4 Life is a community education and awareness campaign focusing on breast cancer, specifically the urgency for women to consult with their physician and the importance of mammograms. The program involves education packets that are sent to women requesting information. Each free packet contains a pink bracelet, a mirror cling reminder for monthly breast self-examination, an information brochure about breast cancer, and note cards for each woman to send to five of her friends, family, or neighbors encouraging them to have a mammogram and talk with their physician. Two media co-sponsors, one print and one TV, help communicate the message.

Who is it for?
All women in the community, especially age 40 and older.

Why do they do it?
Breast cancer remains one of the leading forms of cancer in women, and yet it is one of the most highly treatable cancers if detected early. When the hospital installed the latest mammography technology, it was a natural fit to then promote a campaign about early detection. Now in its second year, Be A Friend 4 Life has helped increase the number of women who are having mammograms by 13-16 percent.

Contact: Bill Larson
Marketing Coordinator
Telephone: 715-726-3349
Email: wlarson@sjcf.hshs.org