The Women's Breast Health Initiative, a nonprofit organization, relocated to new headquarters in Miami Lakes at 14125 N.W. 80 Avenue with a grand opening celebration on Monday, February 10.
The organization follows a grassroots approach to offer prevention and early detection for breast cancer and heart disease, the two largest causes of death among women.
The grand opening was followed by a community-wide canvassing effort held Saturday, February 15 in Hialeah with a door-to-door campaign in which volunteers provided women with health educational packets and made appointments for mammograms and heart screenings.
Following the February outreach, volunteers will visit neighborhoods in Miami Gardens and Hollywood in April which will serve nearly 5,000 households in South Florida this spring.
"We've come a long way since our founding in 2006," said Andrea Ivory, founder of the group and winner of the 2009 Top Ten CNN Heroes Award. "We have served more than 62,000 households and saved thousands of lives. Our expanded offices will allow us to continue the work we've started right here in South Florida."
The Miami Lakes Town Council participated in the official ribbon cutting and a proclamation was presented by Mayor Wayne Slaton.
Other local dignitaries attended the event including Vice Mayor Felicia Brunson, City of West Park; Councilwoman Felicia Robinson, City of Miami Gardens; Mayor Carlos Hernandez, City of Hialeah; and Vice Mayor Christi Fraga, City of Doral.
The nonprofit is also currently undergoing third party evaluation to become an evidence-based model which could change the way social service agencies conduct outreach for women's health initiatives.
To volunteer, donate or find out more information about the Women's Breast Health Initiative call 305-815-4081.