Mount Nittany Health is pleased to share that on Friday, October 27th, it was honored for its commitment to women’s health through the Pennsylvania Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program (PA-BCCEDP) in collaboration with Adagio Health. The ceremony took place at the Governor’s Residence in Harrisburg, Pa.

The BCCEDP, administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Health, is a valuable resource for uninsured and underinsured women, offering them essential breast and cervical cancer screenings at no cost. Funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, this program plays a pivotal role in detecting signs of breast and cervical cancer early on, promoting better health outcomes for the community.

With its broad spectrum of inpatient and outpatient specialties and services, Mount Nittany Health is dedicated to fostering a healthier community in Central Pennsylvania, and this partnership with Adagio Health, established in 2018, has significantly contributed to expanding access to vital preventive care for women.

During the event, Briana Chonister, RN, Mount Nittany Health OB/GYN, accepted the award for Achievements in Breast Cancer Care and Awareness on behalf of Mount Nittany Health. Since its inception in 2018, Chonister has played an important role in the success of the program for the women of the Centre region. She works collaboratively with Sara Worden, LPN, Patient Care Coordinator, Breast Care Center, to enroll women in the program.

“It is an honor to receive this recognition, and Briana’s dedication to this important cause is commendable,” said Christopher Hester, MD, Chief Medical Officer, Mount Nittany Health Physician Group. “Our community can rely on Mount Nittany Health for compassionate and comprehensive preventative care. I am grateful to our staff who continually go above and beyond to support our patients.”

In late 2022, Chonister faced her own breast health concerns, which led to her having bilateral mastectomies in December. During this time, she continued to promote the BCCEDP program, while providing compassionate care to Mount Nittany Health’s patients.

“Briana is such an inspiration to all of us, and her compassion as a nurse is unbelievable,” said Arianne Muir, Practice Manager, Mount Nittany Health OB/GYN. “The number of patients that she has helped through this program is a testament to her exceptional care. It is an absolute honor to have her as part of our team at Mount Nittany Health’s OB/GYN office, and we are so proud of the work she does for this wonderful program and the community.”