The GHSA has teamed up with the Georgia Prostate Cancer Coalition in an effort to reduce prostate cancer deaths in the state of Georgia.
"To promote prostate cancer awareness, the week of September 22-27 will be observed as ‘Blue Week’ throughout our member schools,” said GHSA Executive Director, Gary Phillips.
All games played Friday, September 26, will be designated as ‘Know Your Score Night’ and will feature reminders for men to have prostate exams and blood tests to establish their PSA “score.” Officials will be using blue penalty flags, coaches on both sidelines will be wearing blue wristbands and players will wear symbolic blue ribbon helmets decals.
Georgia is No. 4 in the country in prostate cancer deaths. One in every six men (one in every four African-American men) will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime.
“Georgia guys don’t have to die,” says Bill Buckley, GPCC board member and prostate cancer survivor. “We are convinced that as we increase awareness, we’ll detect this cancer earlier and decrease deaths. We are very thankful that the GHSA has stepped up to help us in this statewide awareness effort.”
Just as the GHSA observes “Pink Week” to promote breast cancer awareness, “Blue Week” will become an annual event each September during the seasons to come.
