ACCESS Receives Komen Grant To Provide Breast Cancer Screenings To Medically Underserved Women Of Color
Susan G. Komen® - Chicagoland Area has awarded a $75,000 grant to Access Community Health Network (ACCESS) to address the disturbing breast cancer mortality gap among women of color in Chicago.
June 20, 2013
Susan G. Komen® - Chicagoland Area has awarded a $75,000 grant to Access Community Health Network (ACCESS) to address the disturbing breast cancer mortality gap among women of color in Chicago.
The grant from Susan G. Komen® will support ACCESS' breast health programs, an initiative designed to save more lives by seamlessly transitioning medically underserved women of color from breast health education to screening to a medical home.
"ACCESS is grateful to again be recognized for its efforts around early detection for breast cancer," said ACCESS CEO Donna Thompson. "Disparities still exist for women of color, but the outreach that we do and this recognition by Susan G. Komen® – Chicagoland Area are reminders that these women are not forgotten and that their lives are important."
Susan G. Komen® is the world's largest breast cancer organization, and the Chicagoland Area Affiliate is one of 122 Affiliates on the front lines, dedicated to ending breast cancer in their communities. Komen Affiliates fund innovative programs that help women and men overcome the cultural, social, educational and financial barriers to breast cancer screening and treatment.
"Komen Chicago continues to support patient navigation by funding these worthy organizations," said Rita Forden, CEO of Komen Chicagoland. "Our funds ensure access to timely and quality care for all women and men with the greatest need in the Chicagoland community."
About Access Community Health Network
Access Community Health Network (ACCESS) provides outstanding preventive and primary health care, accessible to all in their own communities. ACCESS plays a crucial role in the Chicago region's health care safety net because of its leadership in addressing some of the area's most significant health disparities, including lack of access, low levels of health literacy and barriers to care and coordination.
Through its role as the lead agency for the state-wide Stand Against Cancer program (STAND) and the Illinois Breast and Cervical Cancer Program (IBCCP), ACCESS has become a vital resource and anchor to local community-based breast cancer programs, providing technical assistance and expertise on successful breast health and prevention programming to faith-based institutions, as well as to community and hospital partners.
With nearly 40 Joint Commission-accredited community health centers located throughout Chicago and the surrounding suburbs, ACCESS is one of the largest networks of community health centers in the nation. ACCESS offers preventive and primary care services to nearly 200,000 patients annually. Follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/ACCESSHealth or like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/ACCESSCommunityHealth.