Susan G. Komen® Central Indiana Fundraising Dollars to Save Hoosier Lives in 2018

Indianapolis, IN, April 12, 2018 --(PR.com)-- Susan G. Komen® Central Indiana is investing nearly $500,000 from funds raised throughout the year in seven programs to address the most critical needs for breast health and breast cancer in its 41-county service area.

Based on the needs of local communities, Komen Central Indiana developed two grant programs aimed at saving lives: the Education and Linkage to Care Program and the Continuum of Care Navigation Program. These programs fund strategies proven to educate and provide access to healthcare services and to guide breast cancer patients through treatment.

“Fundraising is crucial to our ability to grant these programs which provide services for women and men across central Indiana,” said Nikki Mazelin, interim director, Komen Central Indiana. “The funds raised not only from Race for the Cure, but from year-round efforts are granted to agencies which provide services, mammograms, screening, education, patient navigation – activities that help save lives daily.”

Since 1992, Komen Central Indiana has invested more than $20 million in Community Impact Grants, providing leadership and direction within the community to meet the most critical needs and save lives.

These grants were awarded to community programs with the ability to make the greatest impact and to meet the greatest needs, as determined by an independent review panel.

Education and Linkage to Care Program
Five local programs were chosen to partner with Komen Central Indiana to deliver evidence-based education regarding breast health. These programs will help community members gain a better understanding of their personal risk of breast cancer, breast health services available through their insurance plan or community resources, appropriate timing of screenings and how to access care without insurance or with limited coverage. These organizations, with support from Komen Central Indiana, also provide referrals for screening and diagnostic tests for their patients, including those who are at a higher risk of developing breast cancer in their lifetime.

The 2018 grant recipients for education and linkage to care programs are:
· Gennesaret Free Clinic: Women’s Health Initiative
· Hancock Regional Hospital: Andis Women’s Clinic
· Learning Network of Clinton County: Reducing Barriers to Breast Care in Clinton County
· Little Red Door: Breast Health Education
· YWCA of Greater Lafayette: YWCA Women’s Cancer Program

Continuum of Care Navigation Program
Two local programs were selected to partner with Komen Central Indiana to guide patients through the breast cancer continuum of care from the point of diagnosis forward and to help breast cancer patients overcome barriers. The goal of Komen Central Indiana’s patient navigation program is to ensure quality and timely access to treatment for all breast cancer patients living in central Indiana. Navigators funded through this program will lead breast cancer patients to services tailored to individual needs, including but not limited to transportation, nutrition, childcare, interpreter services, treatment assistance, and psychosocial support.

The 2018 grant recipients for continuum of care navigation programs are:
· Eskenazi Health: EMBRACE Patient Navigation
· Little Red Door: Breast Cancer Assistance Program

A resident living in Komen Central Indiana’s 41-county service area seeking breast health assistance can contact Komen Central Indiana for the best organization that meets his or her specific need. Throughout 2018, Komen Central Indiana’s dollars will support these programs which provide critical help for women, men and families in need.

About Susan G. Komen® and Komen Central Indiana
In the fight to end breast cancer, we are central Indiana’s locally led and empowered affiliate of Susan G. Komen® - a global organization whose name is synonymous with the cause. Susan G. Komen is the world’s largest breast cancer organization, funding more breast cancer research than any other nonprofit while providing real-time help to those facing the disease. Susan G. Komen Central Indiana works locally to improve outcomes for those facing breast cancer throughout 41 counties in central Indiana. For more information, call 317-638-2873 or visit komencentralindiana.org. Connect with us on Facebook at facebook.com/komencentralindiana and Twitter @KomenCentralIN.