A JOINT RESOLUTION to support the efforts of sister, speak, a program of the ywca in winston‑salem, north carolina, in its quest to educate african‑american women about breast health and breast cancer awareness, to encourage others across the state to form similar organizations to help save the lives of women in this state, and to honor the lives of Reverend Conita Archie‑hunt, Benita Sims, and Gretchen Holland, who were advocates for early breast cancer detection and quality treatment for african‑american women.
Whereas, approximately 20,000 new cases of breast cancer are diagnosed among African‑American women in the United States each year, making breast cancer the most common cancer among African‑American women in this country; and 
Whereas, although African‑American women over the age of 40 have a lower incidence of breast cancer than Caucasian women, they are more likely to die from the disease because they are often less able to afford adequate and quality medical care; and
Whereas, because of the lack of medical care, many African‑American women do not receive regular screening mammograms prior to a breast cancer diagnosis, and they do not receive the full range of treatment options after a diagnosis that might prolong or save their lives; and 
Whereas, some studies have raised the possibility that African‑American women may be more susceptible to aggressive breast cancers that are difficult to treat; and
Whereas, the five‑year survival rate for African‑American women is significantly less than that for Caucasian women, and approximately 5,700 African‑American women die of breast cancer each year; and 
Whereas, in an effort to make African‑American women more knowledgeable about breast health and awareness, Sister, Speak, a YWCA Breast Health Education Program, was started in the City of Winston‑Salem in January 2001, with a grant from the North Carolina Triad Affiliate of the Susan G. Komen Foundation; and 
Whereas, Sister, Speak delivers the message of breast health and awareness to African‑American women through church meetings, casual gatherings, hair salons, health fairs, individual chats, sororities, pot luck dinners, and special events; and 
Whereas, in 2002, 2003, 2004, and 2005, Sister, Speak provided 85 mammograms to uninsured or underinsured African‑American women; and 
Whereas, since it was founded, Sister, Speak has reached at least 5,400 African‑American women with its message of breast health and awareness; and 
Whereas, in 2002, 2003, 2004, and 2005, Sister, Speak was recognized for organizing the largest community and largest nonprofit team to participate in the North Carolina Triad Race for the Cure; and 
Whereas, in 2005, three dedicated members of Sister, Speak died from breast cancer:  Reverend Conita Archie‑Hunt on March 26, 2005, Benita Sims on July 1, 2005, and Gretchen Holland on August 3, 2005; and
Whereas, it is fitting to recognize the work of organizations like Sister, Speak and to honor women of all races who have died from breast cancer; Now, therefore,
Be it resolved by the House of Representatives, the Senate concurring:
SECTION 1.  The General Assembly recognizes Sister, Speak, a nonprofit organization in Winston‑Salem, North Carolina, for its dedication and persistence in reaching out to African‑American women in the Triad region of the State to provide them with valuable information about breast health and awareness and free mammograms that may save lives.
SECTION 2.  The General Assembly honors the lives of Sister, Speak members Reverend Conita Archie‑Hunt, Benita Sims, and Gretchen Holland for their effort to educate African‑American women about breast health and awareness and acknowledges the many other women in this State who have lost their battle with breast cancer.
SECTION 3.  The General Assembly encourages individuals and organizations in the State to follow Sister, Speak's example and reach out to women of all races to inform them about the risks of breast cancer and the ways to prevent this deadly disease.
SECTION 4.  The Secretary of State shall transmit a copy of this resolution to Sister, Speak and to the families of Reverend Conita Archie‑Hunt, Benita Sims, and Gretchen Holland.
SECTION 5.  This resolution is effective upon ratification.