SALISBURY — Three organizations are banding together to turn Rowan County pink for the second year.

Novant Health Rowan Medical Center, Downtown Salisbury, Inc. and the China Grove Board of Trade are selling pink ribbons to raise awareness for breast cancer during October.

Community members can buy the ribbons for $1 and write their own name or the name of someone they wish to honor on the ribbon. The ribbons will be displayed on store and restaurant windows.

Katelin Rice, promotions coordinator for DSI, said it was important that DSI support breast cancer awareness, and now community members can show their support by visiting downtown.

“Novant has been a really great partner and sponsor throughout past years, and we wanted to continue that partnership,” she said.

Marian Walters, Novant Health Foundation Rowan Medical Center development officer, said this is the first year the event has expanded into China Grove.

Ken Deal, town manager, said the town is proud to participate.

“It is a pleasure for the Town of China Grove to partner with Novant Health and Downtown Salisbury, Inc. and to participate in this rewarding event,” he said. “The China Grove Town Board recognizes the need for breast cancer awareness and is excited to be a part of ‘Turn Rowan County Pink.'”

According to the American Cancer Society, breast cancer is the most common type of cancer for women in the U.S., except for skin cancers. About 12 percent of women, or one in eight, will develop invasive breast cancer during their lifetime.

The proceeds from the ribbon sales will go toward buying a 3D mammography unit for the new Rowan Medical Center mobile coach, according to a press release.

The coach’s 3D image will provide a better look of invasive tumors and cut down on false alarms.

“The new mobile coach will allow women to get scanned quickly in places where they work, live and attend activities, with the goal of increasing the number of women who get regular breast checks,” the press release said.

The coach will be available to patients all over Rowan County and surrounding areas.

The ribbons will be available at the Rowan Medical Center gift shop, as well as 20 stores and restaurants throughout downtown Salisbury.

In China Grove, participating businesses so far are:

• Porky’s BBQ
• Family House
• Salon Arabella
• China Grove Hardware
• Embellish Boutique
• Dale’s Sporting Goods
• Landis Plumbing Supply Inc.
• Main Street Tobacco & Vape
• Fred J. Corriher Jr. YMCA

Patti Price, event coordinator for China Grove, said she expects to add more businesses to the list this week.

Contact reporter Amanda Raymond at 704-797-4222.