MCHD CEO Alma Martinez provided details about several MCHD initiatives and strategies to bring awareness to issues such a Cervical Cancer in the month of January.

Maverick County Hospital District is observing Cervical Health Month throughout the month of January, focusing on encouraging women to get screened for Cervical Cancer and receive the human papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccine.

While most women are aware of Cervical Cancer, many forget to take the steps to have a plan to detect the disease in its early stages. 

Cervical Health Awareness Month is important as agencies raise awareness and educate women on actions they can take to protect themselves from HPV and Cervical Cancer.

HPV is the most common sexually transmitted disease, and also a major cause of Cervical Cancer.

It's estimated that approximately 79 million Americans currently have HPV, with many not knowing they are infected by the disease.

The good news is that HPV can be prevented with the HPV vaccine, and Cervical Cancer can often be prevented with regular screening tests (called Pap Tests), and followup care.

Cervical Health Awareness Month serves as a great opportunity to continue spreading awareness and educating our community on how important it is to have regular health check-ups. Cervical Cancer screenings, and being up to date on HPV vaccines.

The Maverick County Hospital District encourages women to take a proactive approach to their health and thus minimize the chances of being diagnosed by harmful diseases and conditions, including HPV and Cervical Cancer. Throughout January, MCHD will be focused on spreading information about Cervical Cancer and important steps that women in our community can take to prevent it.

MCHD will also be holding a Cervical Cancer Awareness Informational event on January 29, which will be open to the public.