The Community Health and Social Services (CHASS) Center in southwest Detroit has received a $80,000 grant from the Empowerment Foundation to bring a mammography machine to the center.

The grant supports a one-year lease of the mammography machine along with staff support needed to provide screening mammograms for CHASS Center patients. The first mammogram at CHASS Center is projected to take place in October during Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

“We are very grateful for the generous support from Empowerment Foundation in helping us make it possible to bring this life-saving equipment to the center,” says Dr. Felix Valbuena Jr., CEO of the CHASS Center. “This gift will allow for us to provide immediate screening for breast cancer to our patients — screening early allows for earlier detection and treatment, which ultimately saves lives.”

The Empowerment Foundation, founded in 1998 is a private, charitable foundation engaged in work that empowers people to change their world by funding projects that focus on education, health, self-reliance and technology with a focus to support disadvantaged communities. The Foundation was established by Bhagwan P. Thacker, philanthropist, and owner of DSSI, a global provider of procurement services, based in Southfield.

“Breast cancer is the second most common cancer among women in our country, making access to a mammogram vitally important,” says Bonnie Hill, a spokesperson for Empowerment Foundation. “It is a privilege to be able to support CHASS Center in adding this lifesaving equipment to their center as they continue to provide quality care in the Southwest Detroit community.”

CHASS, a community-based, not-for-profit health and wellness Center, is actively fundraising during National Health Center Week (Aug. 8-14) to raise additional funds towards the mammography machine lease and staffing, to provide care for patients for years to come. The Empowerment Foundation has made a commitment to match up to $40,000 now through December 2021. To donate, visit here.

National Health Center Week Activities

CHASS Mercado, Aug. 10, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. — Seasonal produce market, storytime, face painting, scavenger hunt and prizes, COVID-19 vaccines, and hygiene kits.

  • Cardio Drumming + Toning Class, Aug. 11, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. — Open to all fitness levels, no registration required, 20 people maximum, snacks, gift basket drawing, crafting table, COVID-19 vaccines, and hygiene kits.
  • Tenemos Sabor, Aug. 12, 3-4 p.m. — Cooking Demo on Facebook Live.
  • Pop-Up Event at Urban Neighborhood Initiatives (Varga Pavilion), Aug. 12, 3:30-5:30 p.m. — Resources, kids’ activities and prizes, hygiene kits.
  • CHASS 5K Run/Walk and Kids’ Superhero Race, Aug. 14, 9 a.m.

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