Armenian American Wellness Center Mission

To save, prolong and improve the lives of women through early and accurate detection of their breast and cervical cancer and to provide primary health care services to ensure the good health and well-being of families in Armenia.

The Wellness Center is sponsored by the US-based non-profit organization, the Armenian American Cultural Association, Inc.

History of the Center

Armenia’s transition to a democratic, market-based society began with its independence from the Soviet Union in September 1991. This transformation, however, was adversely affected by the sudden collapse of the Soviet economy, and the imposition of blockades by two of its neighbors.

The government-supported healthcare system, severely undermined, was not up to the challenge of addressing the breast cancer crisis in Armenia, which was identified in 1996 as the leading cause of cancer deaths among women.

In response, the Armenian American Cultural Association (AACA) organized a fact-finding mission to Armenia in 1996, and learned that the screening equipment available to women in Armenia was decades old and grossly inaccurate. Preventive health care was not regularly implemented or encouraged. Armenian women did not understand the importance of annual mammograms for early detection, or the proper procedure for monthly breast self-exams.

Breast cancers were often detected at advanced stages when treatment was no longer beneficial, and radical mastectomies were frequently performed for non-malignant cysts. This dire situation was exacerbated further by cultural barriers and a general distrust of medical professionals and institutions.

In response to these needs, the AACA developed the first mammography project for Armenia -- the Armenian American Mammography University Center (later renamed the Armenian American Wellness Center) on April 28, 1997. With financial support from the Armenian Diaspora in the US and donated equipment & supplies, AACA married western technology and expertise with local talent.

Click here for more about the Center’s activities & accomplishments.

To learn about the Center’s multi-million dollar renovation & expansion, click here. (link to Expansion subsection).

Read “Message from the President”