Dear Friends,
This October, communities across the country are joining together to raise awareness of our fight against breast cancer. The American Cancer Society estimates that breast cancer accounts for 1 in 3 cancer cases each year, and about 310,720 women will be diagnosed with invasive breast cancer this year. However, as millions of survivors have demonstrated, when our community comes together to advocate for awareness through early detection and treatment programs, breast cancer can be beaten.
Early screenings and consultations with your medical providers have been proven to significantly reduce risks. Studies have shown that marginalized communities, particularly women of color, are more likely to have higher mortality rates upon being diagnosed with breast cancer. As your Assemblymember, I am committed to ensuring everyone is given equal opportunities to high-quality health services. This year, I authored AB 3161 to address unjust discrimination and bias in healthcare settings through expanded patient safety plans and violation reporting systems. The bill was signed into law by the Governor last month.
As Chair of the Assembly Health Committee, I recognize that breast and cervical cancer screenings are very much a basic need, and I am actively working to make resources accessible to all. One critical resource currently available is Every Woman Counts (EWC), a free service provided by the State of California to support individuals in marginalized communities seeking access to care. Please visit the Department of Healthcare Service’s website here to find your nearest provider.
Protection from breast cancer and other diseases requires a medical system that meets the needs of every Californian. I am unwavering in my commitment to bridging gaps and expanding access to quality healthcare for our diverse communities throughout Assembly District 18 and the State of California. This month, I’m proud to stand united in the fight against breast cancer. I invite each of you to share the resources in this newsletter with your respective communities and reach out to my District Office for any assistance with state agencies or programs.
Yours in Service,
Mia Bonta
Assemblymember, 18th District
In this newsletter, you'll find the following information:
- Section 1: Breast Cancer and Health Resources
- Section 2: Community Events, Resources, and Engagement
Assemblymember Mia Bonta & staff are committed to keeping AD-18 residents fully engaged and informed. Please send this newsletter to a friend andsubscribe!
Stay connected with our office at (510) 286-1670, Email Me, or follow us on social media.
Section 1: Breast Cancer and Health Resources
Section 1A: Breast and Cervical Cancer Screening with Every Woman Counts
Every Woman Counts (EWC) provides free breast and cervical cancer screening and diagnostic services to California’s underserved populations. The mission of EWC is to mitigate the devastating medical, emotional and financial effects of breast and cervical cancer and eliminate health disparities for medically underserved, low-income individuals.
You may be eligible for a routine breast cancer screening if you are a woman 40 years old or older.
You may qualify for a breast cancer diagnostic service if you have any symptoms, regardless of age or gender. Some warning signs and/or symptoms of breast cancer include:
- Lump, mass or swelling in the breast or underarm
- Changes in size or shape of breast
- Change in skin texture and color (dimpling, puckering, redness, scaly skin, or thickening) of the breast or nipple
- Nipple retraction or inversion
- Nipple discharge
- Breast pain
Additionally, to be eligible for EWC services, you must:
- Meet EWC Income Criteria
- Have no, or limited, health insurance
- Are not getting these services through Medi-Cal or another government-sponsored program
- Live in California
Find your Local Screening Provider or call (800) 511-2300.
Section 1B: Planned Parenthood - East Oakland Health Center
Planned Parenthood's East Oakland Health Center offers breast exams, cancer screenings, and referrals for specialized care. They also provide women's health services, including birth control education and supplies, pregnancy testing and planning, STD testing and treatment, and prenatal and postpartum services. Planned Parenthood accepts patients with and without insurance.
Location: 8480 Enterprise Way, Oakland, CA 94621
Hours: Monday-Thursday, 8:30 a.m.—5 p.m., and Friday, 7:30 a.m.—5 p.m.
Call (510) 746-4700 for more information or book an appointment online.
Section 1C: Charlotte Maxwell Clinic in Oakland
Charlotte Maxwell Clinic provides integrative care services and complementary therapies to low-income women with cancer. Their mission is to combine integrative care and therapies with standard medical treatment to improve the health outcomes, survival rates, and quality of life for low-income, underserved, and immigrant women with cancer. Services include acupuncture, movement therapy, nutrition education, and more.
Location: 411 30th Street, Suite 508, Oakland, CA 94609
Hours:Friday to Sunday, 10 a.m.—5 p.m.
For the full set of services or to book an appointment, call (510) 601-7660 or go online.
Section 1D: Lowering Risk of Breast Cancer
The American Cancer Society has compiled a list of lifestyle-related steps individuals can take to lower the risk factors of breast cancer. A risk factor is anything that increases your chances of getting a disease, but having a risk factor, or even many, does not mean that you are sure to get the disease.
Research has shown that consumption of alcohol can increase the risk of developing certain types of cancer, including breast cancer. Additionally, physical activity, healthy diet, and breastfeeding can help decrease the risk of developing cancer.
For more information about cancer risk and prevention, visit the website or call (800) 227-2345.
Section 1E: Breast Cancer Support Groups
Kaiser Permanente sponsors a variety of cancer support groups that are free and open to the public. Cancer support groups offer the chance for people with cancer and anyone touched by cancer to talk about their feelings, cope with the side effects of treatment, or help with issues you’re experiencing in your everyday life.
General Cancer Support Group
Where: 3701 Broadway Ground Floor (Room TBD), Oakland, CA 94611
When: Thursdays from 10 a.m.—11:30 a.m.
For more information, call (510) 752-2016.
Gynecological Cancer Support Group
Where: 3701 Broadway Ground Floor Conference Rm GB, Oakland, CA, 94611
When: Every 2nd and 4th Wednesday of the month, from 11 a,m.—12:30 p.m.
For more information, call (510) 752-7780.
Cancer and Nutrition Sessions
Where: 3701 Broadway (Floor and Room TBD), Oakland, CA, 94611
When: Every 2nd and 4th Tuesday of the month, from 10 a.m.—12 p.m.
*Pre-registration is required, call (510) 752-4000 to register.
Learn about more Cancer Support groups in Oakland.
Section 2: Community Events, Resources, and Engagement
Section 2A: It Takes a Village: 2nd Annual Community Health Fair
"It Takes a Village" Public Health Fair is a free event dedicated to promoting community wellness! Experience a diverse range of workshops, seminars, and presentations. Expert speakers will be delving into the subjects that matter most: disparities in healthcare, mental health stigma, nutrition education, preventive care, and chronic disease management.
There will also be an array of community partners on-site sharing resources, live music, food trucks, free health screenings, free barbershop haircuts, the children's corner, and more!
Where: 2150 Livingston Street, Oakland, CA 94606
When: Saturday, November 2, 11 a.m.—5 p.m.
Section 2B: Free Birthday Parties for Children Experiencing Housing Instability
Habitot Children’s Museum provides free birthday parties for children (0-5 years old) living in transition. It is an opportunity to celebrate a child’s special day by providing extra love, laughs, and play!
Birthday Parties Include:
- A dedicated party host
- Themed decorations
- Pizza and juice for all guests
- Custom birthday cake
- Special gift for the birthday child
To be eligible, families MUST be:
- Currently receiving housing stability services (shelter, transitional housing, etc.)
- Referred from an agency or caseworker.
To learn more, please contact the Family Outreach & Inclusion Coordinator at familyprograms@habitot.org.
Section 2C: $2.7 Million Allocated to Accelerate Employment for Disadvantaged Workers
The California Workforce Development Board (CWDB), in collaboration with the Employment Development Department (EDD), announced that up to $2.7 million in grant funding is available through Workforce Accelerator Fund 13 (Accelerator 13).
Accelerator 13 focuses on workforce development projects to drive quality jobs for California workers. Successful applications will incorporate High Road principles into projects that improve job quality, create upward mobility, and bridge workforce programs to quality jobs for workers from disadvantaged or low-income communities.
Priority consideration for Accelerator 13 will be given to:
- Native American tribes and tribe-serving non-profit organizations.
- Organizations with a history of serving veterans.
- Applicants with a direct connection to an existing CWDB-funded High Road project.
Please watch the Accelerator 13 Webinar if you are interested in submitting an application.
Section 2D: National Fire Prevention Month
October is National Fire Prevention Month. To focus exclusively on prevention, consider the resources available from the National Fire Protection Association and the Governor’s Office of Emergency Services.
To learn more about local contacts for housing, insurance, debris removal, and individual incidents through the Office of Emergency Services, click here.
Section 2E: 2025 NBA All-Star Rewards Program
Attention Small Businesses! In anticipation of the NBA All-Star Game in February 2025, the NBA has partnered with small businesses to drive awareness for the upcoming event and spotlight local businesses. Participating businesses will be featured in the NBA Events App under their Rewards Program.
Fans who visit a participating business and open the Rewards Program within the NBA Events App will be shown a Digital Scratch Card allowing fans to win various NBA prizes and/or a specific offer relating to the local business!
Sign up and participate in the NBA Rewards Program and if you have any questions or need assistance, please contact David Grunfeld at david@fabric.space.