November 8, 2019
Thanks to Georgia residents who purchased Breast Cancer License Tags, Horizons Community Solutions will receive $50,000 for its Breast Cancer Outreach and Education Program. The program is designed to reduce breast cancer disparities by increasing breast cancer screening and education among low-income, uninsured women. Twenty-two dollars ($22) of each breast cancer license tag purchased or renewed funds the $275,000 in awards this year. The grant awards are administered by the Georgia Center for Oncology Research and Education (Georgia CORE) on behalf of the State Office of Rural Health-Georgia Department of Community Health.
“Horizons will deliver an evidence-based program in partnership with the Albany Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated,” said Cynthia George, chief executive officer of Horizons Community Solutions. She added that the program will promote breast cancer screening among at least 200 low-income women in small group sessions. “We are grateful for these funds that will enable us to target specific Dougherty County neighborhoods where poverty and healthcare access pose the greatest risk to women’s health,” George said.
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority members will conduct small group educational sessions throughout targeted communities to encourage women to be screened for breast cancer. “Uninsured women often do not think they have access to mammograms and follow-up care. This program will allow us to get the word out that a lack of health insurance does not prevent them from getting these life-saving services,” said Vamella Lovett, President of the sorority’s Albany Alumnae Chapter.
“While Georgia has increased breast cancer screening rates, not all women – particularly those without health insurance – receive appropriate screening or treatment,” says Angie Patterson, Vice President of Georgia CORE and a 17-year breast cancer survivor. “The work this grant supports will help identify breast cancer at an earlier stage, making treatment more effective. We hope that more Georgians will purchase the license tags to provide even more resources for underserved women,” she added.