The Phoenix Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure awarded a $125,000 grant to the Flagstaff’s North Country, Well Woman HealthCheck Program on April 27.
The grant award will help fund the Well Woman HealthCheck Program by giving diagnostic and treatment services of individuals diagnosed in Northern Arizona.
The Komen Phoenix Affiliate awarded more than $2.2 million in Arizona this last month — in just northern Arizona, approximately $1.7 million was granted. About 19 grants were distributed throughout central and northern Arizona. Approximately, $540,000 will go to national research.
Elizabeth Markona, manager for HealthCheck Programs, said the grant will help women get the treatment they need without putting a financial burden on them.
“We are so fortunate to have this resource in our community,” Markona said. “Breast cancer treatment is even more of a financial stress during these difficult economic times since it often requires time away from work. Komen funds help reduce this financial burden on the patient. Also, our program has partnered with medical providers in the community to help spread these funds even further.”
The program provides free breast and cervical cancer screening to uninsured women over age 40, where they are ineligible for AHCCCS but fall under 250 percent of the federal poverty level. This is about under $55,875 annually for a family of four.
Sandy Seby, the HealthCheck Program outreach coordinator, said the program was all about reducing the burden of medical costs on patients.
“We try to help as many individuals as possible with the grant,” Seby said. “Most often, the patient will still make payments toward their treatment expenses, but we are able to reduce those expenses and lessen the financial burden.”
They also provide diagnostic services of women of all ages who have had abnormal pap smears or found a breast lump. Women who are diagnosed through the program are linked through and are able to get the treatment they need.
The program — which is state and federally funded and also receives supplement funding from the Avon Foundation Breast Care Fund, also provides breast and cervical education to the public, regardless of their income and situation.
Occasionally, college-age students can be eligible if they have an abnormal breast lump or pap test results. Those qualifying and can go speak to representatives about diagnostic services and consider getting treatment through the program.
The program has not been greatly affected by the economy, but many women who come through the program have been, such as those who have lose insurance benefit or become ineligible for services due to recent AHCCCS and Medicaid cuts.
The program has services available thorough the year, and patients can schedule appointments if needed. They also have screening events where they bring a mammogram van on-site to educate women about receiving services.
The next screening event will be in Flagstaff on June 24, and women over 40 can call ahead to schedule a screening appointment. Women over 18 who need breast or cervical diagnostic services can call anytime, as well.
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