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| In 2004, the NPPC Drive Against Prostate Cancer screened over 10,000 men in 29 states across the USA. Now the well-equiped bus will act as a staging area for doctors to help with overall medical care for Katrina disaster survivors in Louisiana. |
September 8, 2005. WASHINGTON, DC - A big purple vehicle identified with the fight against cancer is now in the race to save lives in New Orleans.
The Drive Against Prostate Cancer, the world's most successful mobile prostate cancer screening vehicle (over 35,000 tests in four years), has switched operations to help the survivors of Hurricane Katrina.
"The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has informed us that it has doctors to help the sick and needy but no place for them to work," National Prostate Cancer Coalition CEO Richard N. Atkins, M.D. said.
"With countless families in dire need of medical attention, donating the use of our mobile medical facility as well as available staff and medical supplies is a must and moral act."
The National Prostate Cancer Coalition has cancelled some of its free screenings scheduled on the Drive Against Prostate Cancer for September and offers those around the country who are looking for free screenings to call the organization toll-free for info, 888-245-9455.
Prostate Cancer Awareness Month is all about saving lives and the best way we can save lives is helping the victims of Katrina," Drive Against Prostate Cancer President Skip Lockwood, who will be traveling with the vehicle, said. "We're donating our efforts for the balance of the month to help out."
The vehicle will be among the first wave of mobile medical units headed for New Orleans, according to FEMA. The Drive will arrive on September 12.
