Dear Colleagues,
As part of Miami Dade College’s culture of care and our continued commitment to wellness, the College is announcing paid leave for cancer screenings to all full-time employees. Regular screenings for cancer can help save lives, and at MDC it is our priority to provide wellness opportunities that ensure the health of employees. During the whole month of October, our nation is commemorating Breast Cancer Awareness Month – a month aimed at educating our community and increasing the early detection of the disease.
Many of us know of someone who has been affected by breast cancer. Whether it's a family member, friend, colleague, or even you – there is no time like the present to band together and educate ourselves and the people we love. As a cancer survivor, I can attest to the importance of visiting your healthcare provider for regular screenings. This announcement comes on the 10-year anniversary of my diagnosis with breast cancer following a routine mammogram. I urge everyone to take advantage of this resource because finding cancer early is vital in improving treatment outcomes and survival. One in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime, but when it is detected
early, the five-year survival rate is almost 100%.
I hope you’ll join MDC in spreading awareness and empowering people in your life to take charge of their breast health! Full-time employees can take up to three (3) hours of paid leave each year to get cancer screening tests. Employees will not be required to request leave such as sick and/or vacation time to be granted this leave with pay. More details from our Human Resources Department will follow.
Remember wellness is a key part of the formula to success. Let’s work together toward having a healthier MDC and community! | 
