ALBANY, Ga. (WALB) — A local chapter of The Links, Incorporated, is working to make breast cancer screenings more accessible across rural Southwest Georgia.

Dr. Merlong Taylor, president of the Albany, Georgia chapter of The Links, Incorporated, said the effort is the chapter’s signature program, held annually to raise awareness.

“We partner with different organizations here in town,” Taylor said. “One in particular, Horizons, where we’re able to help to support mammograms for the uninsured and the underinsured here in rural southwest Georgia.”

Dr. Dianna Grant, a member of The Links, Incorporated, and former chief medical officer at Phoebe Health System, said screenings allow for earlier intervention.

“Screenings are real important because we know early screenings we’re able to have intervention in place and change that narrative around breast cancer or any cancer, really, with that being in place,” Grant said.

Grant said The Links has endorsed the effort because of disparities seen in the African American community, the Latino community and in rural areas.

“So we’re being very intentional about this fundraising event to make sure these mammogram screening will be available to all who need it,” Grant said.

Grant said the organization wants to serve as a trusted source of information on the topic.

“But the more you talk about it, you know, we want to be that voice because everybody else is reading on TikTok with it and they think that’s the Bible,” Grant said. “But we want to carry the message and create that cycle of trust. Because when you hear it from somebody, oh, I see them at church. I know. They have breast cancer. Oh, they are part of the LINCS. They care about me.”

The chapter’s “Cupcakes and Cocktails” fundraiser is scheduled for Sunday, Nov. 1, from 12:30 to 4 p.m. at Doublegate Country Club, 3800 Old Dawson Road. Tickets are $60 and available here.

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