PORTLAND, Ore., May 22 /PRNewswire/ -- Expecting to aid more than 31,000 women in the region, the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation Oregon and SW Washington Affiliate is awarding $1.3 million in grants -- the largest amount in the ten-year history of its grants program -- to Oregon and SW Washington organizations providing breast cancer education, screening and treatment services. The increase is due to the successful Race for the Cure(R), a generous donation from Safeway and other committed donors.
The local Komen Affiliate is awarding $649,918 to 26 community and rural transportation programs to fund breast health education, transportation services in rural areas, and survivor support. Another $642,250 will go to provide free screening and diagnostics services to low-income and uninsured women in Oregon and SW Washington. A special grant of $57,875, funded jointly with the Oregon Breast and Cervical Cancer Program (OBCCP) will be awarded to Oregon Health & Sciences University (OHSU) to educate and train medical professionals about new examination techniques for enhanced clinical breast exams and a new insurance law that allows separate billing for the exams.
“We see individuals and communities engaged in the fight against breast cancer in profoundly effective and moving ways,” said Christine McDonald, executive director of the local Komen Affiliate. “The grants we fund are a strong link in efforts to identify breast cancer and mitigate its potentially devastating consequences.”
The Komen grants are made possible by funds raised locally through the annual Komen Portland Race for the Cure(R), annual giving and other area fundraisers. Seventy-five percent go to fund regional programs and the remaining 25 percent funds research grants on a national level.
About The Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation
The Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation was established in 1982 by Nancy Brinker to honor the memory of her sister, Susan G. Komen, who died of breast cancer at the age of 36. The mission of the Komen Foundation is to eradicate breast cancer as a life-threatening disease by advancing research, education, screening and treatment. The local Oregon and SW Washington Affiliate was established 15 years ago. For more information about the local Komen Affiliate, visit www.komenoregon.org.
Contact for local angle: Christine McDonald, Executive Director Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation Oregon and SW Washington Affiliate Portland, OR 800-404-8241
Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation
CONTACT: Christine McDonald, Executive Director of Susan G. Komen BreastCancer Foundation, Oregon and SW Washington Affiliate, 1-800-404-8241
Web site: http://www.komenoregon.org//
