Portland, Ore., March 25, 2015 - Susan G. Komen Oregon and SW Washington announces grants which total $694,000 to local nonprofits that focus on innovative or evidence-based projects in the areas of breast health and breast cancer support in Oregon and SW Washington.
“These grants emphasize our priority and focus on early detection and treatment access, health care disparities initiatives, and supporting survivors and their families,” said Margaret Klein, director of programs and operations for Susan G. Komen of Oregon and SW Washington. “While we are proud of how far we’ve come, we have so much more to accomplish - especially in our region that has one of the highest rates of late stage breast cancer diagnosis.”
In the last 23 years, $30 million has funneled into Oregon and SW Washington from signature Komen fundraising efforts. Nearly $19.2 million has funded community programs and services that support early detection, survivor support and advocacy for underserved populations. In addition, more than $11.5 million has been dedicated to cutting-edge research facilities locally.
Disparity Initiatives
More than ever, it has become crucial to address health disparities among women of color based on scientific data. Regular screening rates are lower for women of color, and therefore, late stage diagnosis rates are higher. All of which are unacceptable. Komen Oregon and SW Washington is focused on decreasing late stage diagnosis and are proactively working with community partners to educate and increase access to regular screenings.
Just 57% of African American women are screened regularly compared to 75% for all women. Additionally, African Americans are 42% more likely to be diagnosed with late stage cancer, which is more difficult to treat and survive.
Latinas also have a higher rate of late stage diagnosis at 36%, while all other groups are 27%. Klein says “We have the opportunity to significantly affect these numbers by increasing early detection.”
Susan G. Komen Oregon & SW Washington Grant Recipient Quotes
“We are so grateful to Susan G. Komen of Oregon & SW Washington that through this partnership we can help Latinas remove barriers to achieving breast health. The two-year Latina Initiative helps us provide education, vital breast cancer screenings and referrals for women who need patient navigation to ensure they receive potentially life-saving treatment. With Komen’s investment, we can provide outreach services to hundreds of women in our community who may otherwise have slipped through the cracks.”
-- Serena Cruz Walsh, Executive Director, Virginia Garcia Memorial Foundation
“ We are thrilled to partner with Komen on the Latina initiative. It is my hope that with this initiative we will continue to make strong progress in the fight against breast cancer.”
--Shaney Starr, Executive Director, Medical Foundation of Marion & Polk Counties
“Residents of Oregon and SW Washington may need assistance in accessing life-saving cancer treatment, as well as referrals to other health and social services. This grant strengthens 211info’s ability to assist these clients.”
--Dan Herman, CEO, 211info
“Familias en Acciόn is very pleased to accept this grant that will help reduce health disparities for Latinas with breast cancer. Too often, these women have no place to turn when diagnosed with this very complicated disease. Familias will walk with them through this challenging journey, with a staff that is bi-lingual and bi-cultural. Thank you, Susan G. Komen of Oregon & SW Washington, for supporting health equity for all!”
--Familias en Acciόn
“Northwest Family Services is delighted to be part of the Latina Initiative to help increase screening rates and decrease late- stage diagnoses with Latina women.”
-- Northwest Family Services
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. Nationally, since its founding in 1982, Komen has funded $2.6 billion in funding to research, screening, education, treatment and psychosocial support programs serving millions of people in more than 30 countries worldwide. More information is available at www.komen.org.
