BOLIVIA, N.C. – Novant Health Brunswick Medical Center Foundation has been awarded a $29,900 grant from Susan G. Komen North Carolina Triangle to the Coast (Komen NCTC). Komen NCTC funding will support Brunswick Medical Center’s breast screening and diagnostic program for uninsured and individuals in need, an initiative to reduce breast cancer mortality by decreasing late-stage diagnosis. The program also aims to keep these patients within the continuum of care by addressing disparities and increasing access to timely quality care.
Team members at Brunswick Medical Center’s breast imaging center will use grant funds to provide screening and diagnostic services to Brunswick County residents in need at imaging centers in Bolivia and through the mobile mammography unit, which travels extensively throughout Brunswick County. Komen NCTC has provided annual grants in support of the Brunswick Medical Center’s program since 2015.
“All of us at Brunswick Medical Center, particularly the dedicated program team members, are truly grateful for Komen NCTC’s continued support,” said Cindy Cheatham, Novant Health Brunswick Medical Center Foundation development program manager. “Our partnership with Komen NCTC ensures that every Brunswick County individual has access to quality care in the fight against breast cancer.”
Cheatham points out that many Brunswick County residents encounter barriers to obtaining annual mammograms, such as transportation, lack of insurance and low health literacy. To address these barriers, Brunswick Medical Center team members provide traditional screening mammograms on the mobile unit and 3D mammograms, diagnostic mammograms and ultrasounds at stationary imaging centers. Team members deploy the mobile unit to deliver screenings in rural and low-income areas, collaborating with local organizations to target individuals in need residing in Brunswick County. During screenings, team members provide one-on-one education with evidence-based materials and refer individuals requiring diagnostic procedures to Brunswick Medical Center for follow-up. The program supports Susan G. Komen’s goal to reduce breast cancer deaths by 50% in 10 years by increasing access to quality and timely care.
“Finding research breakthroughs for the most deadly breast cancers and ensuring all people are receiving the care they need are critical for creating a world without breast cancer,” said Pam Kohl, Komen NCTC executive director. “We are proud to partner with Brunswick Medical Center to save lives in Brunswick County by delivering care to individuals who need it most in the community.”
For more information about Novant Health breast health services, visit NovantHealth.org/home/services/breast-health.aspx.
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