In conjunction with National Breast Cancer Awareness month in October, the Russellville Fire Department is doing their part to raise money in order to help women in the community receive much-needed health and wellness screenings.

The RFD is currently selling breast cancer awareness T-shirts for $15 each with the proceeds going into a special fund set up at Russellville Hospital that will allow women who meet certain qualifications to receive a free mammogram or ultrasound screening.

This is the third year the RFD has raised money for breast cancer awareness and mammogram screenings through the Russellville Hospital fund.

Hospital CEO Christine Stewart said the funds raised by the RFD in the past have allowed approximately 30 local women to receive much-needed mammograms or ultrasounds.

Belinda Johnson, CNO of Russellville Hospital, said the donations and fundraising efforts by the RFD could have literally saved many lives.

“We can’t emphasize enough how important yearly mammogram screenings are, and because of the generosity of the Russellville Fire Department, women who could not afford to have a mammogram were able to receive one.

“I and the rest of the staff at Russellville Hospital are so grateful to the fire department for taking the time to do this for several years now. It means so much to these women and to us.

“I encourage everyone in the area to buy one of these T-shirts because you never know if the money raised from the T-shirt sales could be going to help someone you might know.”

Firefighter Rhett Bradford said this fundraiser is just another way for the department to help the community they serve.

“There were other fire departments that we knew of who did similar fundraisers for breast cancer awareness, and we wanted to do something here in our own community to help women receive these screenings,” Bradford said.

“We are glad to be able to help in any way we can.”

Fire Chief Joe Mansell said the firefighters in his department look forward to this fundraiser and he appreciates the community’s support.

“This fundraiser is something the guys in the department had come up with because breast cancer has affected family members of some of them so they wanted to find some way to help here locally,” Fire Chief Joe Mansell said.

“Lots of people will be able to benefit from these mammograms and I’m just proud of the guys for getting out there and giving back to the community through this fundraiser.

“I also appreciate the Russellville mayor and city council for supporting this fundraiser and getting behind these guys in their effort to help the people of our community.”

Russellville Mayor David Grissom issued and adopted a resolution proclaiming October as “Cares Enough to Wear Pink Month for the Firefighters” and Oct. 21, 3013 as “Cares Enough to Wear Pink Day” to encourage everyone in the community to wear pink in support of breast cancer awareness.

“I am proud of the Russellville Fire Department for taking this cause upon themselves and for being so willing to help those in need,” Grissom said.

“Cancer is something that has affected us all in one way or another, and breast cancer affects so many people, even many here locally, year after year.

“The city is proud to support the fire department and we encourage many in the community to do so as well.”

This year’s T-shirts are black with a hot pink design. They can be purchased for $15 at the RFD Station 1 on South Jackson Avenue from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. on Monday – Friday or by calling 256-332-8760 or 256-332-8711. Sizes S – 3X are available. Shirts will be on sale now through Nov. 1.

For more information about qualifying for the special free screenings made possible by the RFD, call 256-332-8688.