The Natchitoches City Council recognized October 2025 as National Breast Cancer Awareness Month during its Oct. 13 meeting, highlighting the importance of early detection and community education.
Councilwoman-at-Large Betty Smith-Kirkendoll read a proclamation acknowledging that breast cancer remains the most common cancer among women in the United States, affecting one in eight over a lifetime. The proclamation urges residents to prioritize annual screenings and mammograms, particularly for women over 40.
Members of the Rho Beta Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. attended the meeting to support the proclamation. Sorors spoke about the importance of awareness and reminded the public that breast cancer can also affect men.
The chapter also recognized two breast cancer survivors—Susie Brooks Winston and Beverly Holden—and honored the memory of those who have lost their lives to the disease.
City officials thanked the organization for its continued advocacy and community outreach. The proclamation serves as part of the city’s broader effort to support public health initiatives throughout October.
