As someone who recently had breast cancer diagnosed in their family, I am so appreciative of Planned Parenthood and what they do and what they stand for.
Planned Parenthood of the Rocky Mountains today announced that it is expanding
its education, outreach, and services for breast health to patients in
Colorado.
The announcement is part of a nationwide expansion of Planned
Parenthood’s breast health programs, made possible by an outpouring of
support and donations from the public response to the Susan G. Komen for
the Cure Foundation’s decision to exclude Planned Parenthood from their
grant process in late January.
When this national edict originally came down, the Denver and Aspen
Komen affiliates decried the direction from their national office.
Though Komen quickly reversed course, nearly $67,000 in online donations
came to PPRM in Colorado to support Planned Parenthood’s role in
providing life-saving breast health services to people most in need.
As a result of the monies raised locally and in keeping with our
donors’ wishes and our commitment to breast health services, PPRM is
proud to announce the creation of the Breast Health Services Project at
our Arvada health center.
“The initial response following the Komen decision was overwhelming,”
said Vicki Cowart, PPRM president and CEO. “We are so grateful to the
community for their support of Planned Parenthood and their recognition
of the important role we play in our communities by providing
life-saving cancer screenings. We are also thankful for the strong
relationship and partnership we have always had with the Denver and
Aspen Komen affiliates. In these tough economic times, more women than
ever need access to essential health care services—our organizations
work together to make sure this happens.”
The Arvada health center, located at 7853 N. Wadsworth Blvd, will
receive support for the Breast Health Services Project to provide breast
health screenings and breast self awareness education in an effort to
prevent breast cancer for uninsured and underinsured women.
In 2011, the Arvada health center saw over 8,000 patients, 69 percent
of whom had no applicable form of insurance. Additionally, the health
center is not currently being served by a Komen grant.
In addition, PPRM was awarded a $30,000 grant from Planned Parenthood
Federation of America to help cover costs associated with follow-up
care. When Planned Parenthood doctors and nurses identify potential
breast abnormalities in patients, they refer patients for diagnostic
follow-up care. Various Planned Parenthood health centers throughout the
state will have these funds available.
Already, PPRM is a trusted provider of breast cancer screening for
women in Colorado. Last year, PPRM provided breast cancer screening for
15,452 women. Nationwide, Planned Parenthood health centers provide
breast cancer screening for nearly 750,000 women each year.
The expanded breast health program will give more women access to
lifesaving cancer screenings, diagnostic services, and educational
resources to help them identify potential breast health issues early,
and make the best decisions about their health care.
“At Planned Parenthood, we are committed to removing the barriers that
stand in the way of women getting screened for breast cancer,” said
Cowart. “Whether it’s a clinical exam, necessary follow-up services like
biopsies or ultrasounds, or information about their options—we’re
pleased that we can serve our communities with vital screenings and
follow-up care.”
PPRM’s client-centered cancer screening intervention services include
breast self-awareness education, clinical breast exams, and diagnostic
referrals to clients most at risk for breast cancer. During these visits
clients are educated on how to reduce the risk factors for breast
cancer; such as diet, exercise, monitoring their bodies for changes,
knowing their family history and knowing their risk factors.
Planned Parenthood is a critical resource for women in the fight to
detect breast cancer early. One in five women has turned to Planned
Parenthood at some time in her life for health care. To learn more, go
to www.pprm.org or call 1.800.230.PLAN.
