Des Moines, IA – Susan G. Komen Greater Iowa today announced nearly $330,000 in new community grants for 2018-2019. Susan G. Komen has a bold goal to reduce current breast cancer deaths by 50 percent in the U.S. by 2026 To achieve this goal locally, Komen Greater Iowa funds local projects to help meet the most critical needs of the community, including projects that provide vitally needed breast cancer screening, diagnostic and treatment services and support, such as patient navigation, education and financial assistance.
“To meet needs we have discovered right here in the communities we serve, this year’s grant slate will fund critical gaps in screening, treatment and education and will help minimize barriers women face in accessing the services they need to stay healthy,” said Jenny Brinkmeyer, Executive Director of the Affiliate. “We are proud to be able to distribute the funds we raise throughout the year, through events like Race for the Cure, to these worthy organizations.”
The following programs were selected for funding through a competitive application and independent review process. For more information on Komen Greater Iowa community grantees, click here. Polk County Health Department- (Des Moines, IA) to provide financial assistance for breast screening and diagnostic services, awareness, education, care coordination and linkages to community resources. One Iowa- (Des Moines) to train twenty-five Care for Yourself providers. These trainings equip providers with knowledge and policies to treat LGBTQ Iowans with respect and dignity to help increase LGBTQ screening rates.
Jennie Edmundson Hospital- (Council Bluffs, IA) to provide financial assistance for breast screening and diagnostic services, support, case management and survivorship care. Promise Community Health Center- (Sioux Center, IA) to increasing awareness of and access to breast health care, education and mammography services and conduct outreach to the Hispanic and Latino population. Genesis Health System- (Davenport, IA) to provide free or low-cost mammograms, ultrasounds and diagnostic services for uninsured and under-insured women as well as provider education and patient navigation.
Komen Greater Iowa has identified a gap in breast health care within minority populations in the state, and these grants will provide mammography screening for underserved and uninsured Hispanic women, prevention awareness in minority communities, and enhance communication between health care providers and patients in rural areas.
Seventy-five percent of net revenue from the Komen Greater Iowa Race for the Cure events in Des Moines, Moline, Ottumwa and other events throughout the year are dedicated to funding community health programs. Remaining proceeds fund groundbreaking research to find the cures.
About Susan G. Komen Susan G. Komen is the world’s largest breast cancer organization, funding more breast cancer research than any other nonprofit while providing real-time help to those facing the disease. Komen has set a BoldGoal to reduce the current number of breast cancer deaths by 50 percent in the U.S. by 2026. Komen was founded in 1982 by Nancy G. Brinker, who promised her sister, Susan G. Komen, that she would endthe disease that claimed Suzy’s life. Komen Greater Iowa is working to better the lives of those facing breast cancer in the local community. For more information, call 877-745-6636 or visit www.komengreateriowa.org
