The Avon Foundation for Women has awarded a $26,300, one-year grant to Catherine’s Health Center to increase awareness of the life-saving benefits of early detection of breast cancer through their “Count Me In” program.
Catherine’s Health Center is a nonprofit, community-based free clinic dedicated to serving low-income, uninsured residents of the NE sections of Grand Rapids, primarily those residents who live in the Creston and Belknap neighborhoods.
The “Count Me In” program has reached almost 6,000 local women with information about the importance of early detection of breast cancer, and has referred more than 1,200 women for mammograms and clinical breast exams.
“We are proud that the Avon Foundation for Women shares our mission and has chosen to continue to support our program,” says Executive Director Karen Kaashoek. “With these funds, we will be able to provide breast health education, screening and access to care for the low-income, uninsured women in our community.”
Breast cancer is the most common form of cancer in women in the United States and the leading single cause of death overall in women between the ages of 40 and 55. While advances have been made in prevention, diagnosis, treatment and cure, early detection still affords the best opportunity for successful treatment. Programs such as “Count Me In” help ensure that all women have access to early detection information and options, even poor and medically underserved women.
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facebookSource: Karen Kaashoek, Catherine’s Health Center
Writer: Jennifer Wilson, Do Good editor
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