In recognition of January as both Glaucoma Awareness Month and Cervical Cancer Awareness Month, Slate Valley Center residents and staff wore green and teal.

According to the Glaucoma Research Foundation, glaucoma, the leading cause of irreversible blindness, affects more than three million people in the United States. By 2030, that number could rise to 4.2 million.

Also, according to the National Cervical Cancer Coalition, more than 14,000 women in the United States are diagnosed with invasive cervical cancer each year, but the disease is preventable with vaccination and appropriate screening. Often referred to as “the silent killer,” it is the fourth most common cancer among women globally.

“For many of our residents of advanced age, glaucoma is very common, so it is very important that we, as a popular Washington County skilled nursing facility, recognize and understand this disease and the population it affects,” said recreation director Andrea Kelley. “On the other side of the coin, we have the obligation to recognize cervical cancer because of the family members it affects – those from 40 to 50 years old, but also women much younger.