NASHVILLE, Tenn. - The Titans joined the American Cancer Society and Matthew Walker Comprehensive Health Center for a day of appreciation at Saint Thomas Sports Park in recognition of the continued support with "A Crucial Catch" campaign.

Since 2009, the American Cancer Society has partnered with the National Football League (NFL) and its Crucial Catch initiative, which raises funds to reduce breast cancer disparities in underserved communities.

"Thanks to the diligent work of the local Nashville grant recipient, Matthew Walker Comprehensive Health Center, and the more than 70 grantees across the nation, these federally qualified health centers have made more than 115,698 outreach and education contacts on the benefits and importance of breast cancer screening, with 38,597 free or low-cost screenings performed," said Kara Neloms, health systems manager of primary care with the American Cancer Society. "All of this has been made possible thanks to the funds from the NFL's Crucial Catch initiative."

The initiative provided $50,000 to the Matthew Walker Comprehensive Health Center last year for breast cancer education and outreach to encourage the community to access screening resources.

"Without this grant we would not be able to have a staff person that does the day-to-day in the communities, working with the different community based organizations and individuals, to help them understand the importance of breast cancer screenings," said Katina Beard, chief executive officer of Matthew Walker Comprehensive Health Center. "We really would not be able to do the work that we've been able to do without the support from this grant."

The appreciation event brought representatives from both the Society and Matthew Walker Comprehensive Health Center, along with three women who benefited from the CHANGE grant, to personally thank the Titans for their involvement in the Crucial Catch campaign. They presented staff with cookies and a signed football to show their appreciation and gratitude for the ongoing support.

The Crucial Catch initiative also dedicates October as breast cancer awareness month in which NFL games feature players, coaches, and referees wearing pink game apparel as well as special stadium branding.

"We honor male and female breast cancer survivor's on-field from Saint Thomas Health during our pre-game festivities and it's a great opportunity to bring breast cancer to the forefront of everyone's mind," said Lynne McCracken, client services coordinator for the Tennessee Titans. "If we can make a difference and be part of saving one life, it's worth it."