| SMHC
awarded third Komen grant
St. Mary’s Hospital and Clinics is the recipient of a third Susan G. Komen for the Cure award from their Boise Affiliate. The $25,000 grant is earmarked for 100 wellness exams, 40 mammograms and some treatment and transportation costs. To qualify for the free services females should be between the ages of 18 and 49, be under or uninsured and a resident of Idaho County. “We really appreciate the generosity of the Susan G. Komen for the Cure, Boise Affiliate. We have served over 200 women including females who had never had a mammogram. Through the grant we identified a number of women with breast health issues and helped them receive treatment,” said Pam McBride, SMHC Chief Grants Officer. “Women who have been seen through the grant in the prior two years are welcome to make an appointment again this year.” SMHC hosted four ‘Ladies Night Out’ programs during their last grant year. Plans are underway to again sponsor the special evenings when women can socialize, have refreshments, schedule a mammogram and receive a wellness exam. The events are designed both for Komen eligible women and others. Women can call any of the St. Mary’s clinics to schedule an appointment for an exam. The Clearwater Valley Hospital Kooskia Medical Clinic is also accepting appointments for Idaho County women through the Komen grant. SMHC is hosting monthly Women’s Health Days at their Kamiah, Grangeville and Cottonwood clinics where women can receive a mammogram and wellness exam on the same day. Those days will be the second Wednesday at the Kamiah Medical Clinic; the third Wednesday at the Grangeville Medical Clinic and the fourth Wednesday at the Cottonwood Medical Clinics. The exam and mammogram will be billed to insurance providers or covered by the Komen grant for eligible women. “Women can attend a Ladies Night Out, have their exam at a Women’s Health Day or just call for an appointment at a time that is convenient for them. If they qualify for the grant it will cover them regardless of when and how they’re seen. We’ve begun accepting appointments for this year’s grant,” said McBride. “Women of all ages should check to see if their exam is covered by insurance or other programs. The Komen grant pays special attention to women ages 18 to 49, but other programs are available to help cover costs. Our financial advocates will work with women to assist in getting testing and treatment covered.” Public Health – North Central District also received a grant award. Twenty six programs were funded this year through the Boise Affiliate. Susan G. Komen for the Cure is the world’s largest breast cancer organization with 125 Affiliates throughout the nation. The Boise Affiliate has invested $3.4 million in community breast cancer programs in 19 southwest Idaho counties in their 11 year history. 75% of all proceeds are given back to the community and 25% is directly used for research grants. The 2010-2011 awarded grants totaled $525,000. |
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