• Legislation requiring insurance companies to cover the cost of mammograms for women under age 40 with a family history of breast cancer and a doctor's recommendation; and
  
• Expansion of funding for cancer screenings for uninsured or underinsured men and women by doubling state funding for NJCEED (NJ Cancer Education and Early Detection Program) through the Fiscal Year 2005 state budget.

At an event co-sponsored by Carmen Miranda Jones and the Urban Network Organization, as well as the Cumberland County Latin Team of Cancer Survivors, Commissioner Castro and the panelists stressed the importance of early detection to survive cancer. Through this bilingual roundtable, Commissioner Castro reached out to New Jersey's growing Hispanic community.

Commissioner Castro, joined by Perth Amboy Mayor and Assemblyman Joseph Vas, his wife, Evelyn Vas, and Ratepayer Advocate Seema M. Singh, hosted a roundtable at the Puerto Rican Association for Human Development Center. Mayor and Assemblyman Vas, and Mrs. Vas, who is a breast cancer prevention advocate, voiced their support for the Governor's health initiatives. Ratepayer Advocate Singh urged the audience to educate men and women about the importance of early detection.

• Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in young women ages 15 - 40 (lung cancer is 1st);
  
• 11,000 women under the age of 40 will be diagnosed with breast cancer this year and close to 1,300 will die;
  
• The New Jersey Education and Early Detection (NJCEED) program screens women for breast cancer - 98% of those women have no other form of insurance;
  
• Many women who are eligible for NJCEED remain unscreened due to a lack of adequate funding;
  
• If detected early, the 5-year survival rate for localized breast cancer is 97%.
  

March 9, 2004

Atlantic City - Personnel Commissioner Ida L. Castro spoke with members of the Policemen's Benevolent Association (PBA) during their annual convention. Commissioner Castro thanked the membership for its feedback and collaboration on key personnel issues affecting New Jersey's law enforcement community.

"We are here to support you whenever possible," said Commissioner Castro. "If you have the opportunity to enter the force or to get a promotion, we're here to give you a fair shot."

The Commissioner updated the PBA membership about various civil service topics, including: exam announcements and make-up tests, study guides and test preparation courses, and the use of the Intergovernmental Transfer Program for the reassignment of police officers slated for layoffs.

Commissioner Castro Donates at PBA-Sponsored Blood Drive

March 8, 2004

Commissioner Castro met and spoke with representatives of the Community Blood Council of NJ and with blood drive co-sponsors Lindsey Tippett and Danny DeFilippo. Commissioner Castro commended the PBA and its membership for their support of the drive, and Tippett and DeFilippo for championing the cause. "Lindsey's and Danny's generosity, especially given their personal challenges, is an inspiration; they help us to put things into perspective."

Lindsey Tippett, age 14, of Hamilton , was diagnosed with Ewing 's sarcoma, a rare type of cancer that typically afflicts adolescents. She has received more than 200 units of blood and platelets. There are times when she had to wait for transfusions. Consequently, she understands NJ's critical need for blood. "I don't want other kids to have to go through what I did," she says.

Danny DeFilippo is the sole survivor of a fatal car accident . He suffered severe injuries requiring several transfusions. "I'm alive today because total strangers donated blood," he stated.

The Community Blood Council reports that more than 200 units of blood were collected at the PBA drive, making it one of the most successful this year. The Council will hold a blood drive for Department of Personnel staff at DOP's Station Plaza headquarters, May 14, 2004 .