January is Cervical Cancer Awareness Month and AMSA Jefferson chapter would like to introduce the #PAPSNAP!
#PAPSNAP is a Cervical Cancer Awareness social media campaign, proposed by Keri Bergin of Sidney Kimmel Medical College (SKMC) at Jefferson University AMSA, aimed at destigmatizing gynecological appointments. Those who need routine exams with a gynecologist are encouraged to schedule their appointments during the month of January and to take a selfie of themselves on their way to their appointment, while they’re waiting for their clinician in their exam room, or after they’re finished, and post the selfie on social media with the hashtag #PAPSNAP! We want everyone who needs a pap smear to feel empowered and supported in their journey to taking care of their reproductive health! There should be no shame or stigma in engaging in routine care that is available to keep you safe and healthy. Show people you are proud of yourself for getting your pap smear by posting your selfie this January! You never know who you may encourage to schedule their appointment and do the same!
Example of a #PAPSNAP–courtesy Coleen Bergin
If you want to find free or low cost pap testing near you, use the National Cervical Cancer Coalition (NCCC) database to find a provider:http://www.nccc-online.org/resources/freelow-cost-pap-testing/
Follow the campaign by searching the hashtag #PAPSNAP on Instagram and Twitter!
We’d love to encourage other AMSA Chapters to host a campaign launch with a film about cervical cancer awareness, use the resources section of NCCC for videos for providers and educational materials, and find providers who would like to support the campaign by putting out small handout flyers with the #PAPSNAP description above at their clinic. Please also continue to be inclusive of the genderqueer and transgender community who may need pap smears and additional support during your campaign!
