An upcoming regional symposium aims to connect residents with breast health education, screenings and support amid concerns about breast health outcomes in Ray County.

The free Northwest Missouri Breast Health Symposium and Community Resource Fair will be held Aug. 20 at The Elms Hotel and Spa. While the event is being held in Excelsior Springs, its location was driven by a demonstrated need in the region, with Ray County identified through hotspot data as having elevated rates of late-stage breast cancer incidence and mortality. Gateway to Hope Programs and Clinical Engagement Senior Director Heather Hinnah encouraged anyone who is able to attend the event.

The community resource fair will be held from 1 to 5 p.m., followed by the symposium from 5 to 6:30 p.m.

The event will also feature presentations from breast health experts, including Dr.

Amy Patel, who will discuss the current state of breast health in Northwest Missouri, and Stacy Partin, who will speak about the importance of knowi…