Ozark Komen Affiliate Pledges $650K for Health Services

The Ozark Affiliate of Susan G. Komen has pledged $650,411 in grants to health care providers and nonprofits throughout the region. The affiliate announced the grant recipients on April 5 at the Promise Circle Luncheon.

“The Ozark Affiliate is excited to partner with the 8 local organizations to provide screening, outreach, education and treatment services to women and men in our 10 county service area who are uninsured or underinsured,” Vicki Cowling, director of mission services, said in a press release. “At the Ozark Affiliate we want to make sure that ALL women have access to quality healthcare, regardless of the ability to pay.”

Washington Regional Cancer Support Home received the highest level of support at $141,574. The money will fund a breast health navigator and a bilingual navigator who will offer specialized guidance and support to patients on their breast cancer journey, according to the press release. The program guides patients through diagnosis, treatment and into survivorship, while linking patients to financial and support resources as needed.

The Community Clinic of Springdale was awarded the second highest amount, at $116,310. Within the clinic, the “We are Aware” program provides health care services that include breast care education, screening, diagnostics and treatment support for low-income, uninsured patients in Northwest Arkansas. The SISTA Supper outreach program educates minority patients in a small group setting, where participants can ask questions, schedule appointments and sign up for insurance.

North Arkansas Partnership for Health Education of Harrison was awarded $115,082, in order to further its initiative to provide comprehensive education, outreach and awareness campaigns to increase participation in breast health education classes, breast self-awareness training and access to treatment, according to the release. This program also provides screenings, diagnostic services, patient advocacy and transportation assistance.

Hope Cancer Resources of Springdale was awarded $73,695. The nonprofit provides cancer support and education in Northwest Arkansas by focusing on access to support services with a focus on improving quality of life. The program covers genetic testing, housing, prescription and travel assistance, according to the press release.

Mercy Foundation Fort Smith was awarded $59,079. According to the release, the program provides education, navigation services, community outreach program and partnering with diverse groups in the community to coordinate the access to a mobile mammography unit.

The Madison County Health Coalition of Huntsville was awarded $51,403. The grant would go to fund a nurse navigator to advocate for breast cancer patients and educate the community on breast health. The program also provides gas cards, lymphedema supplies and coordinates support group meetings.

Skaggs Foundation-CoxHealth of Branson, Missouri, was awarded $50,700. The grant money will go to provide access to breast care and cancer treatment for at-risk women by offering financial assistance for women in need of screening mammograms, diagnostic testing and transportation assistance, according to the press release.

The Donald W. Reynolds Cancer Support House of Fort Smith was awarded $42,568 for its “To Save a Life-Survivorship” program, which provides breast cancer patients with support, advocacy, information, financial assistance and medical supplies for lymphedema and mastectomy recovery, according to the press release.

The Ozark Affiliate has awarded more than $9 million since its inception in 1998, according to the press release. It raises funds through events like the upcoming Race for the Cure, which will be held on April 30 at the Pinnacle Hills Promenade Mall. Registration is available at www.komenozark.org.