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October is...
National Breast Cancer Awareness Month
National Breast Cancer Awareness is a time to think about regular screening that can help find breast cancer early, especially for women who may have no symptoms. When this type of cancer is found early, patients have more options for treatment and a better chance the treatment will be successful.
In 2022, an estimated 7,600 new cases of breast cancer were diagnosed in women in Virginia, according to the American Cancer Society. It is the most common cause of cancer in women in Virginia. The United States Preventive Services Task Force recommends women ages 50 to 74 and who are at average risk for breast cancer have a screening mammogram every other year, but those who are at higher risk may need to be screened earlier and more often. Your healthcare provider can help with a plan that is right for you.
For many women, insurance covers the cost of routine screenings. For those who do not have insurance or who may have a loved one who doesn’t, the Virginia Department of Health’s Every Woman’s Life program may be able to help.
The program provides free breast and cervical screening tests and diagnostics.
Domestic Violence Awareness Month
October was first declared as National Domestic Violence Awareness Month in 1989. Since then, October has been a time to acknowledge domestic violence survivors and be a voice for its victims. Domestic violence or Intimate partner violence (IPV) is prevalent in every community, and affects all people regardless of age, socio-economic status, sexual orientation, gender, race, religion, or nationality. IPV encompasses physical or sexual violence, stalking, and psychological aggression by a current or former intimate partner. These behaviors occur at various frequencies and levels of severity, ranging from one episode that may or may not have a lasting impact to chronic and severe episodes over a period of years. While all couples have disagreements, the use of name-calling, put-downs, physical aggression, threats, and controlling behaviors are not healthy.
Physical violence is often accompanied by emotionally abusive and controlling behavior as part of a much larger, systematic pattern of dominance and control. IPV can result in physical injury, psychological trauma, and even death. The devastating consequences of domestic violence can cross generations and last a lifetime.
Although there has been substantial progress in reducing domestic violence, an average of 20 people are physically abused by intimate partners every minute. This equates to more than 10 million abuse victims annually. 1 in 3 women and 1 in 4 men have been physically abused by an intimate partner, and 1 in 5 women and 1 in 7 men have been severely physically abused by an intimate partner. Millions of Americans live in daily, silent fear within their own homes. In addition, every year millions of children are exposed to domestic violence. IPV incidents affect every person within a home and can have long-lasting negative effects on children's emotional well-being, and social and academic functioning. The need for resources and support may be even more paramount among Veterans, as some studies show that up to 70% of women Veterans who receive care at VA have experienced IPV.
National Women's Small Business Month
In 1972, there were a little over 400,000 women-owned businesses in the United States. Until 1988, women needed a male relative to co-sign if they wanted to apply for a business loan. That same year, the Women’s Business Ownership Act increased SBA’s access to capital to provide financial assistance to organizations geared toward women-owned small businesses. By 2019, women-owned businesses represented 42% of all U.S. businesses and generated $1.9 trillion worth of revenue. Today, there are over 13 million women-owned businesses and counting.
In October, National Women's Small Business Month honors the milestone achievements of and highlights the benefits and industry women bring to communities when they own a small business. With over 11 million (and growing!) women owning small businesses in the United States, there's plenty of opportunities to get involved.
Did you know that 50 percent of women small business owners are women of color? Supporting women in small businesses also inspires young women in powerful ways. When they see other women succeeding, they're motivated to succeed, too! In 2012, 44 percent of women small business owners also had children under the age of 18 in their household. Businesses owned by women come in all varieties, too. They pursue business in STEM fields, creative and consumer domains, and service-oriented professions. There's really no limit to the opportunities available.
The U.S. Small Business Administration includes an Office of Women's Business Ownership that serves not only as a guide, but advocates for women business owners. Some organizations you may find helpful include the National Association of Women Business Owners, your local Chamber of Commerce, and the American Business Women's Association.
Credit:
https://www.sba.gov/about-sba/organization/observances/national-womens-small-business-month
https://www.nationaldaycalendar.com/october/national-womens-small-business-month-october
Leviticus Cares is an international outreach project, aimed at meeting acute needs for those who are less fortunate or who have exceptional programs and need additional assistance. Our projects will have several waves throughout the coming months. In this season of giving, we want you to partner with us for Project Kenya and Project Guatemala to send personal hygiene products and glasses. Guatemala has a need for products to benefit students and parents alike. For Project Kenya, we are excited to announce that our churches in Nairobi are starting a school and students are in need of basic necessities.
