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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
PR- 118-03
May 08, 2003

MAYOR MICHAEL R. BLOOMBERG AND COUNCIL MINORITY LEADER JAMES S. ODDO ANNOUNCE $250,000 FOR DIGITAL MAMMOGRAPHY MACHINE

Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg and New York City Council Minority Leader James S. Oddo today announced $250,000 in funding for the purchase of a state-of-the-art digital mammography machine for the Breast Imaging Center at Staten Island University Hospital.  The $250,000 grant from the City will be matched by Staten Island University Hospital.  The Mayor and Councilmember Oddo were joined at the announcement by Andrew Passeri, President and CEO of Staten Island University Hospital, Alberta Brescia, Staten Island Regional Vice-President of the American Cancer Society, Dr. Caroly Raia, MD of the Breast Imaging Center of Staten Island University Hospital and Agnes Oquendo a Breast Cancer Survivor.

“Digital mammography is one of our greatest weapons in the fight against breast cancer,” said Mayor Bloomberg.  “The people of Staten Island owe Jim Oddo a great debt for his tireless advocacy on this issue.  I know that Jim takes his inspiration in this fight from many brave women who have fought this disease. Because of their story, and their fight, more women will have access to mammograms and more lives will be spared the terrible effects of breast cancer.”

“Presently, there are 100,000 mammogram-eligible women on Staten Island and literally thousands more on the cusp of requiring mammography,” said Councilmember Oddo.  “Consequently, it is my hope that the crucial diagnostic and treatment services being provided by the Breast Imaging Center coupled with a new digital mammography machine can assist in providing the women of this borough, not only with the most advanced technology possible, but perhaps an important medical tool that will allow for a significant reduction in the wait for mammographies.”

“This state-of-the-art technology is very important to the health of women living on Staten Island,” said Dr. Carolyn Raia, MD.  “At this time of critical need, the availability of digital mammography makes the test more accessible to more women and we are extremely appreciative of Mayor Bloomberg Councilman Oddo’s and efforts in this regard.”

“It is important that we all work together to make mammography accessible for all women in Staten Island and across New York State,” said Alberta Brescia, Staten Island Regional Vice President of the American Cancer Society.  “Through the efforts of our Mayor and Councilman Oddo and our elected officials, we have made tremendous strides in reducing mammography wait times for Staten Island women.  We want to continue this partnership and increase screening rates because early detection remains our best weapon in the fight against breast cancer.”





CONTACT:

Edward Skyler / Jordan Barowitz   (212) 788-2958

Kevin Fullington (Oddo)   (212) 788-7159


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