Phoebe's Elevation Project having big impact in prostate cancer battle in Albany area
Nov. 29—ALBANY — Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital's prostate cancer awareness project is garnering recognition across the state and nationwide, but that's because the effort is hitting close to home and where men gather, like barbershops and churches.
"We've been doing this a year," Darrell Sabbs, Phoebe's community benefits director, said of the project that brings men out for cancer checks. "We have at least 10 churches involved with the Elevation Project. All 10 churches sent two men that we trained in prostate cancer awareness, community engagement and community outreach.
"As a result, a year later we have engaged over 500 men and (performed) PSA screenings on over 400 men from our region."
On Saturday a "hams and haircuts" event will offer screenings as well as blood pressure checks from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. at Christian Life Missionary Baptist Church, 3980 Gillionville Road.
The project, which got grant funding from the Morehouse School of Medicine, also has enlisted barbers on the front lines to discuss health issues with clients.
The effort doesn't end with just a test. Phoebe follows the men through diagnosis and, if necessary, treatment and healing.
"There have been some results that were coming to some of the men and their families," Sabbs said. "We did our duty to make sure we helped them through their issues. If they couldn't afford procedures, we helped them get them. If they didn't have transportation, we helped them get it."
The outreach of those with whom they're familiar helped break down barriers such as mistrust of the health care system and the lack of a primary care physician for many of the men. Some of those barriers have been broken down. Now, the Elevation Project is being asked to share its secrets to success.
Sabbs and Albany minister Daniel Simmons have been asked to participate in a conference with the American Cancer Society, and Sabbs has been presented the Early Detection Impact Award by Zero — The End of Prostate Cancer, a national organization dedicated to eliminating the disease.
"We honored Darrell as our first recipient because of the work he is doing in the Albany area," Josh Woods, Zero's regional director for the Eastern Chapters, said.
Project Elevation speaks to some of the organization's primary pillars, including advocacy and support, said Woods, who has participated in previous hams and haircuts events.
"We do believe Darrell is an example of what other people can do in their communities," he said. "Some men don't have so much trust in the health care system, but once you have the churches and the barber shops involved ... we're taking that concept and seeing if there's an opportunity to replicate that throughout the country."
