LETTER TO THE EDITOR: Elevation Project saving lives

To the Editor:

Perhaps you’ve seen my ad on television or maybe my billboard on Old Dawson Road. But, as Paul Harvey would say, “Now, the rest of the story.”

For the last two years, the Elevation Project, a program funded by Phoebe and the Morehouse School of Medicine, has been providing free health screenings at several area churches. In addition to those screenings, noted physicians and nurses have provided valuable information that has empowered men to take control of their health needs. To date, 477 men have been screened and 37 champions trained, representing nine area church congregations.

These champions have discovered and been able to get needed medical attention for cancer, blood pressure and diabetes issues.

“This is one of the most innovative, effective and needed outreach programs, and I am pleased with the impact we are having in the community,” Phoebe CEO Scott Steiner said. “It meets our core value to save lives.”

Led by health care activist Darrell Sabbs and a team of dedicated Phoebe oncology, radiology and chemotherapy specialists, the Elevation Project has made it possible for men to be around to see grandchildren and great-grands born and graduate and to be able to spend quality time with them.

The annual Men’s Health Fair, scheduled for June 17, will kick off the second half of the monthly health screening, which will begin in July.

My personal story is one of survival because of early detection, active surveillance, thorough treatment and professional aftercare by my Phoebe team. The Elevation Project makes my story a possibility for many more.

Frank Wilson

Albany