The Pink Build is ICHFH’s version of a traditional Habitat Women’s Build.  Held in October and November, the Pink Build raises funds and awareness in the fight against breast cancer.

In 2010 ICHFH received a $2,000 grant from the Grand Itasca Foundation to purchase pink tools and pink t-shirts.  ICHFH raised $2,058 by selling these items at Grand Itasca Clinic and Hospital, the ReStore and the build site.  During the 2nd Annual Pink Build in 2011, we asked all volunteers to donate $10.00 and for their donation they could take either a Pink Build t-shirt or a pink tool.  ICHFH raised $456.00!  All funds raised during the “Pink Build” were donated for Breast Cancer Awareness earmarked to the Sage Program where the funds will be designated for Itasca County women.  The Sage Screening Program is a statewide comprehensive breast and cervical cancer screening program whose primary objective is to increase the proportion of age-appropriate women who are screened for breast and cervical cancer by:

• Providing free screening and follow-up services to uninsured and underinsured women
• Reaching out to women who may not have regular health care providers
• Educating the public about the importance of screening
• Raising awareness among health professionals
• Developing statewide partnerships to promote screening

 

During the 2010 “Pink Build” 93 women volunteered a total of 536 hours.

During the 2011 “Pink Build” 30 women volunteered a total of 228 hours.

 

In 2010 the Pink build was also an opportunity for Grand Itasca Clinic and Hospital to showcase their new digital mammography equipment by providing experts to participate in a “Lunch and Learn” for the women on the Habitat build site.

In 2010 and 2011 Grand Itasca Clinic and Hospital provided educational material on women’s health for everyone at the build site.  Everyone that donated during the Pink Build in 2011 could sign up for several door prizes that were given away at the end of the Pink Build.