(COLUMBUS, OH) – Susan G. Komen® Columbus announced today it will grant $1.46 million to fund 21 programs that will make a profound and life-saving impact to thousands of women and men in our community.

“Women who are diagnosed with breast cancer in Ohio are more likely to die from the disease than almost anywhere else in the United States due to multiple barriers such as access to affordable care and treatment and challenges to navigating the healthcare systems,” said Julie McMahon, director of mission at Komen Columbus. “In the communities we serve, we have identified issues contributing to those problems and focused our support to organizations that bring local solutions to those barriers.”

This years’ programs take two approaches:

• Screening Navigation Programs are focused on educating women about risk and how to access care through their insurance, and how to navigate the healthcare system to get screenings. These programs also address any barriers, including cost for the uninsured, or other barriers like transportation.
• Continuum of Care Programs are focused on ensuring that any woman who gets an abnormal screening result has the support she needs to make critical decisions and get the highest quality care, as well as support for any barriers, from high out-of-pocket costs to transportation and psychosocial support.

The $1.46 million was raised through the efforts of our supporters participating in the many special events and fundraisers held annually, including the annual Columbus Race for the Cure® and the 2015 Athens Race for the Cure®. The funds will help combat breast cancer incidence and mortality. It will also help find solutions for disparities in breast cancer across populations and aid cutting-edge programs in finding a cure.

The following programs have been selected for Komen Columbus funding by an independent grant panel through a competitive application and review process. For more information or directions to any of our Community Partners, click here.

2016-2017 Susan G. Komen® Columbus Community Partners

Continuum of Care Navigation Programs

OhioHealth Foundation | OhioHealth Breast Cancer Program Support for L-DEX Screenings, Imaging, and Treatment/Survivorship

Mount Carmel Health System Foundation | Mount Carmel Women’s Health: Continuum of Care Program

Madison Health Foundation | Cure Your Fears

Memorial Hospital | Memorial Hospital’s “Power of Pink” Program

Genesis HealthCare System | Genesis Breast Health Initiative

Knox Community Hospital | Mother, Daughter, Sister and Friends Project

Screening Navigation Programs

Heart of Ohio Family Health Centers |TLC4Me.2

The Ohio State University | Sister Screen Saver Program

OhioHealth Research Institute | Community Health Resource Center Pink Pathways Program

LifeCare Alliance | “Yes Mamm!”

Ohio University Healthy Adult Project: Breast Education & Screening Program  

Fairfield Medical Center Foundation |  NO EXCUSES!

Meigs County Cancer Initiative | Pink with Purpose Breast Awareness, Education, and Navigation Program

Licking County Health Department |Screening and Survivor Support (SASS) for Breast Cancer

Adena Health System | Promise To Keep