Komen Southwest Michigan announces funding for the Pink Saturdays program!

Komen Southwest Michigan announces funding for the Pink Saturdays program!

According to a recent Kaiser Family Foundation report, the mammography rate in Michigan is 79.2%, slightly above the national average of 76%.  The statewide numbers, however, do not appropriately reflect the mammography rate crisis in Southwest Michigan.  According to 2006 Southwest Michigan statistics the estimated mammography rate in Southwest Michigan is an astonishing 30%!  In order to address the low mammography rate, the West Michigan Cancer Center has developed the Pink Saturdays Program.  The Pink Saturdays program will take place throughout October and will provide over 1,300 mammograms to uninsured and underinsured women throughout the area.   Komen Southwest Michigan is the proud funder of this program. 

For more information about the Pink Saturdays Program call 1-800-873-0649.

 "This statement of affirmation is on behalf of the Susan G. Komen
prevention initiative. I believe that this program makes a powerful difference for
many. Knowing that free mammograms are available is a powerful asset to
every community. I benefit and hope that the service remains so that cancer
prevention can continue. "

-Jolene Brimage Prosper, Pink Saturdays Participant 2011

Komen Southwest Michigan provides Borgess Foundation with grant funding for mammograms!

Early detection saves lives!  Borgess Health has launched a monthly breast screening program to serve uninsured and underinsured women in 2011-2012 with free mammogram screenings.  This program is offered throughout the year.  Through a Komen Southwest Michigan grant, 750 free mammograms will be provided.     

Small Grants make a Big Impact!

Komen Southwest Michigan has provided funding for two small projects throughout our small grants program.  First, the Cancer Care Center at Bronson Battle-Creek has been granted $4,500 to provide each breast patient with a multi-functional, brocade tote bag that will contain educational/resource material, a small comfort pillow for chest positioning and a post-surgical camisole that allows for drain management as necessary.  This tote will be presented to each patient by the Nurse Navigator.

Second, Access Breast Cancer Screenings, a recently developed non-profit agency serving Southwest Michigan will receive a $5,000 grant from the Komen SW Michigan Affiliate to fund educational literature focusing on the need for early screening.  In addition, this funding will allow this newly formed service organization to create and display a breast health exhibit at the Breast and Cervical Cancer Control Program’s State meeting.   Access Breast Cancer Screenings provides funds for uninsured and underinsured women needing screening or treatment for breast cancer.  Komen is proud to provide funding for this necessary service.