PHOENIX, ARIZONA: Circle the City, a Phoenix-based non-profit organization founded by Sister Adele O'Sullivan, a member of the Sisters of St Joseph of Carondelet community, is making significant strides in providing essential healthcare services to the city's homeless population, especially women.
Sister Adele envisioned a sanctuary for healing accessible to all. Today, this vision is embodied by Circle the City, which runs two centers for medical respite, two clinics for outpatient healthcare, and five mobile medical units.
These units extend their care to shelters, transitional living centers, and areas that are otherwise difficult to access, as per the website.
On October 26, Circle the City, in collaboration with Assured Imaging, hosted a pop-up clinic at the Human Services Campus, providing cancer screenings to more than 40 women. This initiative not only offered critical health services but also provided personal care items and emotional support to the attendees.
"Going to the doctor is always nervewracking," said a woman named Angela Acevedo, who reportedly patiently awaited her name to be called for her first-ever mammogram at the clinic, as per AZ Central.
Circle the City's latest initiative at Phoenix's Human Services Campus is crucial to fight cancer
Although Circle the City has organized numerous pop-up clinics offering mammograms, this was the inaugural event at the Human Services Campus.
The campus, which provides overnight accommodation for over 700 people and daily resources such as meals, clothing, and case management to hundreds more, is an ideal location for connecting with new clients, according to Wendy Adams, the community outreach supervisor at Circle the City.
"We try to make it very comfortable," stated Adams.
Acevedo, at the age of 36, was understandably anxious about her upcoming screening. However, she was also filled with a sense of thankfulness for finally receiving the medical attention she had been seeking.
In the past, Acevedo reportedly had reached out to clinics in Phoenix, only to discover that the majority of services had a waiting period of nearly three months. Given her family’s history with cancer, she expressed that this screening would offer her much-needed reassurance.
"I will get back on my feet, I know that," stated the 36-year-old, adding, "It's just a matter of getting my health back."
The National Cancer Institute emphasizes the crucial role of regular mammograms in averting fatalities from breast cancer, given its often treatable nature. It is estimated that approximately 13% of women will receive a breast cancer diagnosis at some stage in their lives.
Circle the City staffers were always ready to lend an ear to the participants
Women from the Human Services Campus, along with others who journeyed from various shelters across Phoenix, congregated under a canopy adorned with shimmering pink balloons.
Staff members from Circle the City were present to guide patrons through any additional needs they might have, from assistance with housing applications to simply providing a listening ear. Some staff even looked after pets while their owners received care.
Genesis Marie Clinton, a resident of the Human Services Campus for approximately 15 years, arrived immediately following her breakfast. The clinic’s policy of not requiring prior appointments was a significant factor in her decision to attend, she shared.
Upon completion of their visit, patients were gifted personal care items such as body lotion and hair products. Besides the clinical services, healthcare professionals also educated patrons on self-examination techniques for breast cancer detection.
