United Hospital District (UHD) and Blue Earth Chamber of
Commerce are partnering together to promote colon cancer awareness throughout the month of
March, which is recognized nationally as Colon Cancer Awareness Month. On Tuesday, March 9, 2021
from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. the public is invited to a free Wellness Reception at the Giant Welcome
Center and Museum in Blue Earth, located on Giant Drive. Refreshments and colon cancer information
will be available. Social distancing guidelines will be in effect.
The co-sponsored event aligns with the Colon Cancer Coalition’s nationwide #BlueForCRC initiative to
spread the message about importance of screening for colorectal cancer. Blue is the awareness color
for colon cancer. During the week of March 8-12, 2021, many hospitals, municipal buildings and
landmarks throughout state will be lit blue, in support of the #BlueforCRC campaign.
UHD will further the effort by encouraging staff to wear blue on March 9th and by sharing important
health information on their Facebook page throughout the month. The goal is to educate county
residents about the importance of colorectal cancer and show support for patients, survivors, and
caregivers in the community.
Colorectal cancer is the nation’s second leading cause of cancer deaths in the U.S. It is one of the few
cancers that can be prevented through screening. Tragically, colonoscopies declined nearly 90% in April
2020 from the previous year, due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The general public is also invited to join the awareness effort by sharing photos on Twitter or
Instagram using the hashtags #BlueForCRC and #MNCRC.
