Spectrum Health Receives Cancer Prevention Grant

Will fund mammograms through Betty Ford Breast Care Services

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich., October 16, 2018 – Spectrum Health’s Betty Ford Breast Care Services has received a $25,000 grant aimed at cancer prevention.

Through its community grants program, the Prevent Cancer Foundation® is proud to support 12 projects focused on increasing cancer prevention and early detection in communities across the U.S., from Los Angeles to Midlothian, Virginia. The projects were selected through a competitive grants process and each program will receive a one-year, $25,000 grant.

The projects focus on a diversity of education and screening goals for breast, liver, lung, colorectal and cervical cancers, as well as HPV vaccination and hepatitis testing to prevent cancers linked to these viruses. These projects will have a direct impact on underserved populations in both urban and rural locations, many of whom lack access to cancer prevention and early detection services.

With this grant, the Spectrum Health Cancer Center plans to increase access to breast care services in West Michigan for African-American, Hispanic and rural residents who are uninsured or under insured and do not qualify for the state Breast and Cervical Cancer Control and Navigation Program. Betty Ford Breast Care Services will provide screening and diagnostic services including mobile mammography. The project will use grant funds to provide an estimated 48 mammograms and 100 tomosyntheses (3D breast cancer screenings) and at least 20 outreach events. Participants will be provided with comprehensive follow-up services, patient navigation and culturally competent education.

“These funds came at a perfect time,” said Elaine Bower, director, breast care services, Spectrum Health. “We continue to see funding decline and this means women go without essential preventative screenings. We are grateful to The Prevent Cancer Foundation for partnering with us and making a difference in the communities we serve.”

Since 2007, the Foundation has awarded more than $1.6 million in community grants, in 31 states, as well as in American Samoa and to the Washoe Tribe.

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About The Prevent Cancer Foundation®

The Prevent Cancer Foundation® is one of the nation’s leading voluntary health organizations and the only U.S. nonprofit organization focused solely on cancer prevention and early detection. Founded in 1985, it has catapulted cancer prevention to prominence and fulfills its mission through research, education, outreach and advocacy. For more information, please visit www.preventcancer.org.

People are at the heart of everything we do, and the inspiration for our legacy of outstanding outcomes, innovation, strong community partnerships, philanthropy and transparency. Corewell Health is a not-for-profit health system that provides health care and coverage with an exceptional team of 60,000+ dedicated people—including more than 11,500 physicians and advanced practice providers and more than 15,000 nurses providing care and services in 21 hospitals, 300+ outpatient locations and several post-acute facilities—and Priority Health, a provider-sponsored health plan serving more than 1.3 million members. Through experience and collaboration, we are reimagining a better, more equitable model of health and wellness. For more information, visit corewellhealth.org.

Contact:
Sarina Gleason
Media Relations
Phone: 517.256.5618
Email: sarina.gleason@corewellhealth.org