Programs

Programs 

We strive to address the barriers that prevent access to information about various health issues affecting Vietnamese. These barriers include language, culture, and difficulty navigating the healthcare system. We implement several programs to appropriately raise awareness and encourage healthier behaviors within the community, including:

 

Seniors and Trauma Survivors Empowerment Program (STEP)

Seniors and Trauma Survivors Empowerment Program (STEP) is a community-based program that helps Vietnamese older adults and their families recover from postwar trauma and succeed in establishing new lives in the United States.

 

Health Awareness Program for Immigrants (HAPI)

The Health Awareness Program for Immigrants (HAPI) aims to educate the Vietnamese community about the risks of chronic diseases, the benefits of preventive health and how to access locally available services. Our current focus is on cervical and breast cancers, the two most common cancers among Vietnamese women. Early detection through Pap smears and mammograms can discover these two silent killers before they become life-threatening, yet an alarmingly low number of Vietnamese women are screened on a regular basis.

 

Community Awareness Campaign on Occupational Safetey (CACOS)

The goal of CACOS program is to reduce work-related exposures, injuries, illnesses, and fatalities. We aim to raise the awareness of Vietnamese employees and employers about occupational safety & health issues and the rights of workers to a safe workplace environment.

Chương Trình An Toàn và Sức Khoẻ Lao Ðộng

Chương trình này được tài trợ bởi cơ quan An Tồn và Sức Khoẻ Lao Động (Cơ quan OSHA www.osha.gov) kể từ năm 2000. Chương trình hiện tại được thực hiện ở 6 thành phố: Raleigh/Charlotte, NC; Springfield, MA; Philadelphia, PA; Houston, TX and St. Louis, MO.

Chúng tôi đã hợp tác với những cơ quan để cung cấp những buổi huấn luyện cho cơng nhân và chủ nhân như Bộ Lao Động của tiểu bang North Carolina, Bộ Lao Động của tiểu bang Massachusetts, Cơ quan OSHA Regional III ở Philadelphia và Regional IV ở Atlanta.


Seniors and Trauma Survivors Empowerment Program (STEP)

Seniors and Trauma Survivors Empowerment Program (STEP)

 


What is STEP?

Seniors and Trauma Survivors Empowerment Program (STEP) is a community-based program that helps Vietnamese older adults and their families recover from postwar trauma and succeed in establishing new lives in the United States.

STEP Brochure

STEP Model

 

STEP ModelSTEP Model


Donate

Thank you for helping BPSOS meet urgent needs TODAY and empower Vietnamese communities for TOMORROW. To Donate Now:
Online DonateClick here to donate with credit/debit cards or electronic checking account transfers through the Network for Good.
By Mail with Check or Money Order Make your check or money order payable to Boat People SOS and mail it to: Boat People SOS - STEP 6066 Leesburg Pike Suite 100 Falls Church, VA 22041-2220
By Corporate Match Contact your personnel department; your employer might add value to your own gift.
BPSOS is not a government agency; our programs and services are made possible primarily through the generosity of individuals, businesses and foundations who give voluntary gifts of time and money. Contributions to Boat People SOS (BPSOS), a tax-exempt organization under Section 501(c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Services Code, are tax deductible. Please be sure to request a receipt and include your full name and address.

Partnerships

The Seniors and Trauma Survivors Empowerment Program (STEP) would not be possible without the continued support from federal grants, univeristy affiliations, and community organizations. On behalf of the STEP Team, we'd like to extend our gratitude to the following partners and funders for making our program a reality.

 

Funders

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration

SAMSHASAMSHA

 

 

 

 

 

Board of Advisors

George Mason University Center for the Advancement of Public Health

David Anderson, Ph.D

Rita Chi-Chung, Ph.D

Fred Bemak, Ph.D

Liz Hanfman

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The Franklin Psychotherapy Center

Robert Weigl, Ph.D

Fairfax County Community Services Board

Back to Top

 

Partnerships

Local faith-based organizations

Northern Virginia Seniors Citizens Association (NOVASCA)

Tuong Van Temple

Hoa Nghiem Temple

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Community Organizations

Gia-Long Alumnae Association

AARP Foundation

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services-Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services

County of Fairfax, Virginia

Department of Community and Recreation

Department of Family Services

Community and Recreation Services- James Lee Senior Center

Vietnamese Seniors Association

Korean Community Service Center of Greater Washington

Office of Newcomer Services-REAP

Yorkville Cooperative Board of Directors

Department of Systems Management for Human Services

Virginia Cooperative Extension

Nascent Solutions, Inc

Fairfax County Park Authority Park Services Division-Leisure & Wellness Branch

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Mental Health Couseling & Information

Mental Health Counseling

The in-house counseling program funded by SAMSHA here at Boat People S.O.S. is designed to provide confidential and effective mental health services to older adults in a safe and caring environment. To be eligible, participants must be 55 years or older, or were part of the re-education camps (HO) program. The program offers Individual Psychotherapy, Family Therapy, Couple Therapy, Group Therapy, and Life Skills Training for a variety of problems.

 

Issues include but are not limited to:    

  • Elder Care & Family Transitions     
  • Stress & Pain Management, Depression & Bipolar Mood Disorders Anxiety & Panic & Phobic Disorders     
  • Separation & Divorce     
  • Senior Abuse & Neglect, Sexual Abuse & Rape    
  • Domestic Violence & Anger Management    
  • Post Traumatic Stress Disorder  

 

Appointment Scheduling

To participate, please contact Ms. Celine Duong at celine.duong@bpsos.org for a prescreening session.  

 


Peer Companion Training

What is Peer Companion Training?

 

Peer Companions Training is a program that trains a select group of seniors to become Peer Companions and is based on the STEP MODEL. These seniors receive 10 months of training in a large array of skills necessary to work with individuals, groups, and institution in their communities. They facilitate all of the above activities under supervision of trained staff and mental health professionals.

 

Mental Health Counselor

Mr. Duong Hoang

 

First round graduates

Ms. Bui Pham Mai

Ms. Dinh Nhu-Nguyen

Ms. Ly Kim-Ha

Ms. Nguyen Hong-Hai

Ms. Nguyen Kim-Oanh

Ms. Nguyen Thi Bui

Mr. Phan Thanh

Ms. Tran Phuong

Ms. Tran Phuong-Lan

Ms. Trieu Kim-Lang

Thich Nu Thanh Lieu

Ms. Vuong Ba-Diep

 

Instructors

Nguyen Dinh Thang, Ph.D

David Anderson, Ph.D

Rita Chi-Chung, Ph.D

Fred Bemak, Ph.D

Robert Weigl, Ph.D

Toan Pham, Psy.D

Duong Hoang, MS

 

 

To participate, please contact Ms. Celine Duong at celine.duong@bpsos.org for a prescreening session.


Family Support Group

Family Support Group

We work closely with family and community members taking care of seniors to equip them with the tools necessary to live a healthy and fulfilling life in the US. We achieve this through educational workshops, referral services such as bilingual mental health counseling, and community involvement through cultural activities.

 

Keeping the Focus on Vietnamese Seniors

Many individuals arriving to the US are products of war in the 1970s and may still be affected by the trauma inflicted as refugees and asylum seekers. Seniors from the Vietnamese and Vietnamese American community may be isolated in their lives in the US due a several factors:

  • linguistic barriers
  • cultural differences
  • insufficient means of transportation
  • out of touch with community
  • lack of family support

The Family Support Group is a component of the STEP Model and serves to provide family members and community members taking care of seniors with the knowledge, resources, and support they need to enhance their quality of life by preparing for their retirement, life insurance benefits, funeral preparations and costs.

 

Past and upcoming Family Support Group workshops.

 

Our Partners

We work with community and faith-based organizations such as Buddhist temples and Catholic churches to reach out to family members and senior citizens. They are key to garnering the participation of seniors.

  • AARP Foundation
  • Tuong Van Buddhist temple
  • Hoa Nghiem Buddhist temple
  • Northern Virginia Vietnamese American Seniors Catholic Association (NOVSACA)

Contact

We are always looking for more communities to conduct workshops and for outreach! Please contact Xuan Le at (703) 538-2190 ext. 206 or email xuan.le@bpsos.org for more information.


Community Awareness Campaign on Occupational Safety (CACOS)

Community Awareness Campaign on Occupational Safety (CACOS)

 

What is CACOS?

The goal of CACOS program is to reduce work-related exposures, injuries, illnesses, and fatalities. We aim to raise the awareness of Vietnamese employees and employers about occupational safety & health issues and the rights of workers to a safe workplace environment. This program is funded by Occupational Safety and Health Admin (OSHA - www.osha.gov) since 2000. This program is currently implemented in 6 cities: Raleigh/Charlotte, NC; Springfield, MA; Philadelphia, PA; Houston, TX and St. Louis, MO. So far, we have collaborated with several agencies to bring training to Vietnamese employers and employees such as North Carolina Dept of Labor, MA Department of Labor and Cơ quan OSHA Regional III in Philadelphia, and Regional IV in Atlanta.

 


Donate

Thank you for helping BPSOS meet urgent needs TODAY and empower Vietnamese communities for TOMORROW. To Donate Now:
Online DonateClick here to donate with credit/debit cards or electronic checking account transfers through the Network for Good.
By Mail with Check or Money Order Make your check or money order payable to Boat People SOS and mail it to: Boat People SOS - CACOS 6066 Leesburg Pike Suite 100 Falls Church, VA 22041-2220
By Corporate Match Contact your personnel department; your employer might add value to your own gift.
BPSOS is not a government agency; our programs and services are made possible primarily through the generosity of individuals, businesses and foundations who give voluntary gifts of time and money. Contributions to Boat People SOS (BPSOS), a tax-exempt organization under Section 501(c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Services Code, are tax deductible. Please be sure to request a receipt and include your full name and address.

Materials

Materials in General Industry

1. It’s the Laws

2. Intro to OSHA   Video

3. Who Needs OSHA

4. Imminent Danger

5. Machine Guarding

6. Eye Protection   Video

7. Hearing Protection

8. Protect Young Workers

9. Worker’s Rights Under OSHA

10. Electrical Hazards

11. Workplace Violence

12. Fire Prevention

13. Hazardous Chemicals in Nail Salons

14. Back Injury Prevention

15. Hazards Communication

16. Combustibles

17. Personal Protective Equipments

18. Mold Remediation

19. Tuberculosis

20. Walking-Working Surfaces   Video

21. Materials Handling>  (part 2)

22. Safety and Health Program

23. How to File Complaint With OSHA

24. Lockout/Tagout

 

Materials in Construction Industry

1. Electrical Hazards

2. Fall Protection  (part 2)

3. Trenching and Excavation

4. Struck-by

5. Hazardous Materials

 

Materials in Influenza Pandemic for Small Businesses

Training slideshow (English version) – under development

 

Useful Links

1. Occupational Safety and Health Admin (OSHA)

2. NC Department of Labor

3. Pandemic Flu

4. Safety and Health Council of NC


Workplace safety education

We aim to raise the awareness of Vietnamese employees and employers about occupational safety & health issues and the rights of workers to a safe workplace environment. The goal of the Community Awareness Campaign on Occupational Safety (CACOS) program is to reduce work-related exposures, injuries, illnesses, and fatalities.


Mương và Hố Đào (Trenching & Excavation)

Mương và Hố Đào

Tôi có bị nguy hiểm không?

Tất cả hố đào đều nguy hiểm vì chúng vốn đã không vững chắc. Nếu hẹp, chúng sẽ có thêm nguy cơ thiếu dưỡng khí, nhiều hơi độc, và đọng nước. Nếu không dùng hệ thống bảo vệ trong khi làm việc ở những mương hoặc hố đào, bạn có thể bị ngộp thở, hít chất độc, hoả hoạn, chết đuối hoặc bị đè do sập hố.

(>> Xem tiếp)


Nguy Hiểm Về Điện (Electrical Hazards)

Những Nguy Hiểm Của Điện Lực 

Điện lực đã trở thành một nhu cầu thiết yếu trong đời sống tân tiến ngày nay. Có lẽ vì là thành phần quá quen thuộc ở xung quanh chúng ta, nên điện không được đối sử thân trọng với vị thế của nó. ( >> Xem  tiếp...)


Những Hóa Chất Nguy Hiểm (Hazardous Substances)

1. Amiăng (Asbestos): Amiăng là tên của một nhóm khoáng chất tự nhiên có trong vài loại sản phẩm, như vật liệu xây dựng và thắng xe, chất chống cao nhiệt và gặm mòn

(>> Xem tiếp...)

2. Hơi Nhựa Đường (Asphalt Fumes): Hơi nhựa đường rất độc hại khi hít phải. Hơi nhựa đường có chứa chất gây ung thư. (>> Xem tiếp...)

 

3. Tinh thể Silica (Crystalline Silica): Silica ảnh hưởng nghiêm trọng đến gần 2 triệu công nhân Hoa Kỳ, bao gồm 100,000 công nhân làm những việc nguy hiểm như phun chất để mài mòn, xưởng đúc, cắt đá, khoan đá, khai thác đá và đào hầm hố. (>> Xem tiếp...)

 

4. Khí Etelen (Ethylene Oxide): là một loại khí ga không màu, dễ cháy, ở nhiệt độ trên 51.3 oF (10.7 oC) và có mùi như chất êthe (ether) khi ở mức độc hại (>> Xem tiếp...)

 

5. Chì (Lead): Chì đã gây độc hại cho công nhân cả ngàn năm nay. Trong ngành xây dựng, mối nguy hiểm do chì thường xẩy ra trong nghề hàn chì, lắp ống nước, và sơn phết. (>> Xem tiếp...)


Đề Phòng Té Rớt (Fall Protection)

Tôi Có Bị Nguy Hiểm Không?

Trong một hoàn cảnh kiến trúc nào đó, hầu như chỗ làm việc nào cũng có những cạnh, bờ tường, khoảng trống trên vách hoặc dưới sàn không được che chắn, bảo vệ. Vì không được bảo vệ nên thương tích từ bong gân tới bất tỉnh, tử vong do té rới hoặc vật liệu rơi trúng có thể xẩy ra. (>> Đọc tiếp ...)


HIV/AIDS prevention

What is HIV?
HIV - Human Immunodeficiency Virus - is a virus that kills your body's "CD4 cells." CD4 cells (also called T-helper cells) help your body fight off infection and disease.

What is AIDS?
AIDS - Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome - is a disease you get when HIV destroys your body's immune system. Normally, your immune system helps you fight off illness. When your immune system fails you can become very sick and die.

How can I get HIV?
  • By having unprotected sex - sex without a condom - with someone who has HIV. The virus can be in an infected person's blood, semen, or vaginal secretions and can enter your body through tiny cuts or sores in your skin, or in the lining of your vagina, penis, rectum, or mouth.
  • By sharing a needle and syringe to inject drugs or sharing drug equipment used to prepare drugs for injection with someone who has HIV.
  • From a blood transfusion or blood clotting factor that you got before 1985. (But today it is unlikely you could get infected that way because all blood in the United States has been tested for HIV/AIDS.
  • Babies born to women with HIV also can become infected during pregnancy, birth, or breast-feeding (breast-milk).
You CANNOT get HIV:
  • By working with or being around someone who has HIV
  • From sweat, spit, tears, clothes, drinking fountain, phones, toilet seats, or through everyday things like sharing a meal
  • From insect bites or stings
  • From donating blood
  • From a closed-mouth kiss (but there is a very small chance of getting it from open-mouthed or "French" kissing with an infected person because of possible blood contact.)

Hoa can I protect myself?

Don't share needles and syringes used to inject drugs, steroids, vitamins, or for tattooing or body piercing. Also, don't share equipment ("works") used to prepare drugs to be injected. Many people have been infected with HIV, hepatitis, and other germs this way. Germs from an infected person can stay in a needle and then be injected directly into the next person who uses the needle.

  • The surest way to avoid transmission of sexually transmitted diseases is to abstain from sexual intercourse, or to be in a long-term mutually monogamous relationship with a partner who has been tested and you know is uninfected.
  • For persons whose sexual behaviors place them at risk for STDs, correct and consistent use of the male latex condom can reduce the risk of STD transmission. However, no protective method is 100 percent effective, and condom use cannot guarantee absolute protection against any STD. The more sex partners you have, the greater your chances are of getting HIV or other diseases passed through sex.
  • Condoms lubricated with spermicides are no more effective than other lubricated condoms in protecting against the transmission of HIV and other STDs. In order to achieve the protective effect of condoms, they must be used correctly and consistently. Incorrect use can lead to condom slippage or breakage, thus diminishing their protective effect. Inconsistent use, e.g., failure to use condoms with every act of intercourse, can lead to STD transmission because transmission can occur with a single act of intercourse.
  • Don't share razors or toothbrushes because of the possibility of contact with blood.
  • If you are pregnant or think you might be soon, talk to a doctor or your local health department about being tested for HIV. Drug treatments are available to help you and reduce the chance of passing HIV to your baby if you have it.
* (The above information is taken from the Center for Disease Control website www.cdc.gov)


How can I protect myself?

  • Don't share needles and syringes used to inject drugs, steroids, vitamins, or for tattooing or body piercing. Also, don't share equipment ("works") used to prepare drugs to be injected. Many people have been infected with HIV, hepatitis, and other germs this way. Germs from an infected person can stay in a needle and then be injected directly into the next person who uses the needle.
  • The surest way to avoid transmission of sexually transmitted diseases is to abstain from sexual intercourse, or to be in a long-term mutually monogamous relationship with a partner who has been tested and you know is uninfected.
  • For persons whose sexual behaviors place them at risk for STDs, correct and consistent use of the male latex condom can reduce the risk of STD transmission. However, no protective method is 100 percent effective, and condom use cannot guarantee absolute protection against any STD. The more sex partners you have, the greater your chances are of getting HIV or other diseases passed through sex.
  • Condoms lubricated with spermicides are no more effective than other lubricated condoms in protecting against the transmission of HIV and other STDs. In order to achieve the protective effect of condoms, they must be used correctly and consistently. Incorrect use can lead to condom slippage or breakage, thus diminishing their protective effect. Inconsistent use, e.g., failure to use condoms with every act of intercourse, can lead to STD transmission because transmission can occur with a single act of intercourse.
  • Don't share razors or toothbrushes because of the possibility of contact with blood.
  • If you are pregnant or think you might be soon, talk to a doctor or your local health department about being tested for HIV. Drug treatments are available to help you and reduce the chance of passing HIV to your baby if you have it.

* (The above information is taken from the Center for Disease Control website www.cdc.gov)


Facts about HIV/AIDS

Latex condoms
Latex condoms, when used consistently and correctly, are highly effective in preventing the transmission of HIV.

Half under 25
Half of all new HIV infections in the U.S. are believed to occur in people under the age of 25.

Pregnancy
If you are an HIV-positive pregnant woman, you can prevent giving HIV to your baby.

1 in 4
Approximately 1 in 4 HIV infected persons don't know they are infected


Upcoming Events

Upcoming Events

 

TBA


Chương Trình An Toàn và Sức Khoẻ Lao Ðộng

Chương Trình An Toàn và Sức Khoẻ Lao Ðộng

Vài Nét Về Chương Trình

Chương trình này được tài trợ bởi cơ quan An Tồn và Sức Khoẻ Lao Động (Cơ quan OSHA www.osha.gov) kể từ năm 2000. Chương trình hiện tại được thực hiện ở 6 thành phố: Raleigh/Charlotte, NC; Springfield, MA; Philadelphia, PA; Houston, TX and St. Louis, MO.

Chúng tôi đã hợp tác với những cơ quan để cung cấp những buổi huấn luyện cho cơng nhân và chủ nhân như Bộ Lao Động của tiểu bang North Carolina, Bộ Lao Động của tiểu bang Massachusetts, Cơ quan OSHA Regional III ở Philadelphia và Regional IV ở Atlanta.



I) Tài Liệu

  A) Tài Liệu Về Ngành Tổng Quát

    1. Đó là Luật

    2. Giới Thiệu Về OSHA

    3. Ai Cần Biết Về OSHA

    4. Nguy Hiểm Cận Kề

    5. Thiết Bị Đề Phòng Máy Móc

    6. Bảo Vệ Mắt

    7. Bảo Vệ Thính Giác

    8. Bảo Vệ Công Nhân Vị Thành Niên

    9. Quyền Lợi Của Công Nhân Tại Nơi Làm Việc

    10. Nguy Hiểm Về Điện

    11. Bạo Hành Nơi Làm Việc

    12. Đề Phòng Té Ngã  2  3  4

    13. Đề Phòng Hoả Hoạn

    14. Hoa Chất Nguy Hiểm ở Tiệm Nail

    15. Thương Tích Nơi Lưng

    16. Tiếp Xúc Hoa Chất Nguy Hiểm

    17. Các Chất Dể Cháy

    18. Dụng Cụ Bảo Hộ Lao Động

    19. Xử Lý Mốc Meo Trong Nhà

    20. Bệnh Lao Phổi

    21. Bề Mặt Làm Việc

    22. Xử Lý Vật Liệu

    23. Chương Trình An Toàn và Sức Khoẻ

    24. Khoá và Niêm

  B) Videos Về Ngành Tổng Quát (Vietnamese)

    1. Giới Thiệu Về OSHA

    2. Hoá Chất Trong Tiệm Nails

    3. Bảo Vệ Mắt

    4. Bề Mặt Làm Việc và Đề Phòng Té Ngã

    5. Chứng Bệnh Đau Nhức Do Công Việc

    6. Đề Phòng Máy Móc

    7. Đề Phòng Thương Tích Nơi Lưng

  C) Tài Liệu Về Ngành Xây Dựng

    1. Cần Cẩu

    2. Xử Lý Vật Liệu

    3. Nguy Hiểm Về Điện

    4. Đề Phong Té Rớt

    5. Mương và Hố Đào

    6. Bị Đập Trúng

    7. Dụng Cụ Máy và Cầm Tay

    8. Dụng Cụ Bảo Hộ Cá Nhân

    9. Giàn Giáo

    10. Thang và Cầu Thang

    11. Bị Đập Trúng

    12. Chất Amiăng (Asbestos)

    13. Hơi Nhựa Đường (Asphalt Fumes)

    14. Chất Silica

    15. Sơn Chì (Lead Paint)

  D) Video Về Ngành Xây Dựng

    16. Bị Đập Trúng

    17. Nguy Hiểm Về Điện

    18. Đề Phong Té Ngã

    19. Mương và Hố Đào

    20. Những Chất Nguy Hiểm

  E) Tài Liệu Về Phịng Ngừa Đại Dịch Cúm cho Cơ Sở Thương Mại

    Tài Liệu Huấn Luyện (đang soạn thảo)

  F) Những kết nối khác

    1. Cơ Quan OSHA: www.osha.gov

    2. Bộ Lao Động North Carolina: www.nclabor.com

    3. Trang mạng về đại dịch Flu: www.pandemicflu.gov

    4. Uỷ Ban An Tồn và Sức Khoẻ North Carolina: www.safetync.org







Health Awareness Program for Immigrants (HAPI)


Health Awareness Program for Immigrants (HAPI)

 

What is HAPI?


The Health Awareness Program for Immigrants (HAPI) aims to educate the Vietnamese community about the risks of chronic diseases, the benefits of preventive health and how to access locally available services. Our current focus is on cervical and breast cancers, the two most common cancers among Vietnamese women. Early detection through Pap smears and mammograms can discover these two silent killers before they become life-threatening, yet an alarmingly low number of Vietnamese women are screened on a regular basis.

 

Target Population 

Medically-underserved Vietnamese Americans with:

  • Low-income status
  • Limited-English proficiency: 91% of Vietnamese speak a language other than English at home, while 61% are limited English proficient, the highest rate among Asian Americans.
  • Uninsured: Thirty-two percent of Vietnamese adults are uninsured. Even Vietnamese women who have insurance, either employer-based or Medicare, are not aware of laws that mandate insurance coverage for regular and appropriate cancer screenings and do not utilize the services. Lack of adequate insurance is a symptom of the low-level jobs that many Vietnamese take due to low levels of English proficiency and a lack of job skills.  
  • Lack of transportation

 

HAPI aims to raise awareness of these serious health risks among the Vietnamese community, we offer a myriad of services:


 

Education

Outreach workers teach local community members about chronic diseases such as breast and cervical cancers, their risk of developing these diseases, preventive health, early detection and healthy lifestyle choices through one-on-one education, workshops and community events. We have recently added other common chronic diseases among Vietnamese elders such as colon, lung, liver cancers and diabetes.

 

Referral

Community members are directed to local service providers for Pap smears, mammograms and other early detection tests. Project staff act as Navigators to help individuals: a. Schedule appointments b. Arrange transportation and interpretation c. Follow up after the appointment to answer any questions, explain test results and help with future appointments or additional tests

 

Support

Women are encouraged to join a local women’s group to meet other community members, talk and socialize through monthly events. Cervical cancer and breast cancer are the two most common cancers among Vietnamese women. Early detection through Pap smears and mammograms can discover these two silent killers before they become life-threatening, yet an alarmingly low number of Vietnamese women have these screening tests on a regular basis. The goal of HAPI is to educate Vietnamese women about their risk for cervical and breast cancers, the benefits of preventive screenings and where to go for affordable screening services.


Donate

Thank you for helping BPSOS meet urgent needs TODAY and empower Vietnamese communities for TOMORROW.

To Donate Now:

Online Donate

Click here to donate with credit/debit cards or electronic checking account transfers through the Network for Good.

By Mail with Check or Money Order

Make your check or money order payable to Boat People SOS and mail it to:

Boat People SOS - HAPI

6066 Leesburg Pike Suite 100

Falls Church, VA 22041-2220

By Corporate Match

Contact your personnel department; your employer might add value to your own gift.

BPSOS is not a government agency; our programs and services are made possible primarily through the generosity of individuals, businesses and foundations who give voluntary gifts of time and money. Contributions to Boat People SOS (BPSOS), a tax-exempt organization under Section 501(c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Services Code, are tax deductible. Please be sure to request a receipt and include your full name and address.

Partnerships



University of South Alabama Mitchell Cancer Institute

Bayou La Batre Rural Health Clinic

State of Alabama Department of Public Health

Belle Reve New Orleans

Gateway to Care

Asian American Health Coalition – HOPE Clinic

CRG Medical Foundation for Patient Safety

Planned Parenthood of Southern New Jersey

Holy Cross Hospital

Women Cancer Control Program

Suburban Outpatient Medical Center

Bailey’s (Fairfax County Health Department, community healthcare network)

Women'sInova Fairfax Hospital Women's

Medical Faculty Association- The George Washington University (Mammography Mobile Van)


Preventative Health Education Materials

Early Detection Can Save Your Life.

 

Both cervical and breast cancers take years to develop and may not cause pain or other symptoms to alert you until it is very advanced. If cervical cancer is discovered in the early stages, it is almost 100% curable. If breast cancer is discovered before it has spread to other parts of your body, the 5-year survival rate is 97% (meaning that 97% of people are still alive five years later). There are two main tests for these cancers: the Pap smear test for cervical cancer and the mammogram for breast cancer.

 

Empower yourself with knowledge.

 

We have compiled the cultural and ethnic-specific research and materials to help you learn about ways you can learn more about cancer prevention and awareness.

 


Basic cancer information

Early Detection Can Save Your Life.

 

Both cervical and breast cancers take years to develop and may not cause pain or other symptoms to alert you until it is very advanced. If cervical cancer is discovered in the early stages, it is almost 100% curable. If breast cancer is discovered before it has spread to other parts of your body, the 5-year survival rate is 97% (meaning that 97% of people are still alive five years later). There are two main tests for these cancers: the Pap smear test for cervical cancer and the mammogram for breast cancer.

 

Have your first Pap smear test when you turn 21, or sooner if you are sexually active.

During a Pap smear, your doctor will look at your cervix and take a small sample of cells to send to a lab. Some women feel a slight cramping sensation when their cervix is touched. The Pap smear is extremely important for finding abnormalities in the cells in the cervix; these may be signs of infection or disease.

Have your first mammogram when you turn 40.

A mammogram is an x-ray of the breast. During a mammogram, your breast is placed between two plates and compressed. Sometimes this can be uncomfortable, but it only lasts a few seconds and is necessary to take a good picture.

 

What is cancer?

Cancer is a disease that happens when cells in part of your body begin to grow out of control. These cells are abnormal because the DNA has been damaged. DNA is what tells a cell how to grow and what to do in your body. Often these abnormal cells will spread to other parts of your body and start growing there (metastasis). Each type of cancer acts differently and requires different treatment. Cancer is usually named after the part of the body where it develops.

 

Why am I at risk?

Two main reasons why you are at risk--especially for breast and cervical cancers--are that you are a woman and you are growing older. Your risk increases more if you have a family history of cancer, you have been exposed to STDs or you do not have any children. Your risk may increase even higher if you smoke, are overweight or do not exercise.

 

What types of cancer am I at risk for?

Vietnamese women should be especially concerned about cervical cancer and breast cancer. Cervical cancer is cancer of the cervix. The cervix is the lower part of the uterus (womb). Breast cancer is cancer of the breast. Most breast cancers form in ducts, the passages that carry milk from lobules (milk-producing glands) to the nipples.


Importance of Early Screening and Detection

Referral and Screenings

 

Breast Cancer
With prevalence of 37.5 per 100,000, breast cancer is the second leading cause of death (after cervical cancer) among Vietnamese women. Like other Asian women, Vietnamese women have low participation rate in breast cancer screening programs.
 

Cervical Cancer
According to a 1998 nationwide study by the National Cancer Institute, Vietnamese women had 5 times the risk of developing cervical cancer compared to Caucasian women, and very few Vietnamese women knew about Pap smear tests. In 1992, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention estimated that only 47% of Vietnamese women had ever received a Pap test, compared to 91% from a national sample. Similarly, six additional studies on a combined 2,374 Vietnamese women showed that only 48% received a Pap test in 1997 . Unfortunately, this rate has remained the same over the past few years.

 

There are many contributing factors to this stagnancy of numbers. Lack of information is often compounded by misperception and tradition; the National Cancer Institute report noted that many Vietnamese believed that cervical cancer only befell “bad” women. Other inhibiting factors included language barrier, financial hardship, and transportation problems.
 

Colon Cancer
According to the National Cancer Institute, Colon cancer is the fourth most commonly diagnosed cancer in the US. Vietnamese, among other minority populations, are at greater risk of dying of colorectal cancer because they receive preventative screening less often than whites. While most Vietnamese have heard of colorectal cancer, many are not aware of colorectal cancer screenings, such as colorectal polyp, sigmoidoscopy, and colonoscopy.
 

Liver Cancer
In the United States half of the individuals infected with Hepatitis B, the leading cause of liver cancer, are Asian-American. The likelihood of having Hepatitis B is 13 times higher for the Vietnamese population than for the Caucasian population. The Asian Liver Center at Stanford University estimates that 7% of APAs [Asian and Pacific Americans] have Hepatitis B. This rate is significantly high when compared to 0.1% of Caucasians and Hispanics and 0.5% of African-Americans that are infected with the virus. Vietnamese-American men have the highest rates of liver cancer for all racial/ethnic groups. The incidence of liver cancer among Vietnamese-Americans is 11.3 times higher than the rate for Caucasian Americans.

 

Although no completely accurate screening test exists for liver cancer, there are effective vaccinations for Hepatitis B, the common cause of liver cancer. According to a survey by the Asian and Pacific Islander American Health Forum, immunization rates for Hepatitis B among children are very low. In a survey conducted in three metropolitan cities showed that Vietnamese children having all three Hepatitis B vaccinations ranged from 10% to 38%. When childhood vaccinations are ignored or incomplete, these children will grow into adolescence and adulthood without the protection of vaccinations and are too old to benefit from infant programs and school entry laws.

 

Adults can still protect themselves from Hepatitis B by using the vaccinations, but many adults are not aware of the prevalence and therefore do not inquire about the vaccinations.


Upcoming Events

Monthly Workshops

Falls Church, VA     

Enrollment for Medicare Part D & Benefit Quick Link screening

November 29th and 30th from 9:30am-4:00pm    

 

Hepatitis B&C Screening

November 16th from 9am-12pm     

December 7th from 9am-12pm    

 

Mammography Screening

December 11th from 9am-3pm     

January 31st from 9am to 3pm     

 

Christmas Workshop

December 19th      

 

Adelphi, MD     

Outreach at Giac Hoang Temple

11/18/2007 from 12-2:00P     

 

Mammogram Screening Day

11/29/2007 from 12:00P-3:00P
 

 

Women’s Group Meetings

The women’s group in Atlanta, Springfield, and Camden meets monthly to discuss strategies to reduce cancer disparities in their communities. If you would like to join our women’s support group, please contact your local contact coordinator to find out more.
 

Community Events


Frequently Asked Questions

"I am over 21 years old and not sexually active. Do I need to have a Pap smear test?"

 

Yes.

Even if you have never had sex or are not now sexually active, you should still see your doctor and be tested to make sure everything is okay.

 

"I'm not old enough to need mammograms. Do I need to do any other tests for breast cancer?"

 

Yes.

In your 20s and 30s, you can do breast self-exams (BSE) once a month and you should also have a clinical breast exam (CBE) done by your doctor as part of your annual exam.

 

"I don't have insurance - how can I afford these tests?"

 

Each state has a Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program that offers low-cost or free Pap smears and mammograms to local women. For more information on how to get these screenings, contact BPSOS.

 

"Does Medicare or other insurance pay for these tests?"

 

Medicare will pay for 80% to 100% of cancer screenings, including mammograms, clinical breast exams, Pap smears and pelvic exams. Many private insurance companies will cover cancer screenings but it varies from company to company. The time frame for these exams also depends on each company - some will cover one each year, others one every two years. For help understanding your benefits, contact BPSOS.


Services at BPSOS

Education

Learn about breast and cervical cancer, your risk, preventive health, early detection and healthy lifestyle choices through one-on-one education, workshops and community events.

 

Referral

Receive cancer screenings regardless of your insurance or income. We can help:

  • Schedule appointments
  • Arrange transportation and interpretation
  • Follow up after the appointment to make sure your questions are answered, you understand your test results and help you with future appointments