As Hispanic Heritage Month draws to a close, Congresswoman Kathy Castor has honored Estrella Clement with recognition in the Congressional Record. Castor chose to pay tribute to Clement, who was born in Cuba, for her tireless work in the community to ensure that women have access to breast and cervical cancer screenings.

“Estrella Clement is acutely aware of the toll, both financial and emotional, that breast and cervical cancer can have on women,” Castor said in the Congressional Record. “She devotes her lift to improving the health of the Tampa community. I applaud her dedication to the prevention and treatment of breast and cervical cancer.”

Clement, who earned a master’s in nursing from the University of South Florida, works at MediTech Medical Centers in Tampa. MediTech offers free breast and uterine cancer screenings for low-income, uninsured women ages 50-64. MediTech Medical Centers can be reached at 877-933-3060.

“This is the whole point that we’re here: to help other people,” Clement said. “We need to help people to stay healthy, and we can’t do that without economical and good, well-given care.” Clement said she is grateful for the Florida Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program grant, which is largely supported by federal funds.

Clement is active in the community, having served as a co-chair of Prime Time Sister Circles, a group that helps African-American women improve their health. She also serves on Moffitt Cancer Center’s Hispanic Advisory Council.

Clement does everything in her power to make sure women know about the free screenings. The Tampa Tribune and the St. Petersburg Times have featured her for her work, and she uses radio and other outreach efforts to spread the word.

“Ms. Clement worries that women are unaware of the free screening and treatment options,” Castor said in the Congressional Record. “Ms. Clement is making it her duty to reach as many women as possible.”

Clement’s work accentuates the need for a bill that Castor has filed to eliminate disparities in breast cancer treatment and diagnosis. Castor’s bill was the subject of a hearing in the Subcommittee on Health this month. The legislation will create incentives and requirements for adequate care for all women, regardless of race, income or health insurance status.