Saint Joseph Hospital Foundation Receives Funding to Provide Mammograms for Uninsured Lexington, Ky. (July 21, 2014) – The Saint Joseph Hospital Foundation, part of KentuckyOne Health, have been awarded funding from the Lexington Affiliate of Susan G. Komen to help fund mammograms for the underserved and underinsured at Saint Joseph Hospital and Saint Joseph East. In addition to the Saint Joseph Hospital Foundation, two other KentuckyOne Health facilities received funding from Komen Lexington— Saint Joseph Berea and Saint Joseph London Foundation. These facilities are among 15 Kentucky-based organizations to receive funding to provide lifesaving screening, patient navigation, treatment support and treatment programs. Through the “Yes Mamm!” program, more than 500 women will receive free or reduced cost mammograms at Saint Joseph Hospital, Saint Joseph East, Saint Joseph Berea and Saint Joseph London. “So many women in our community go without regular mammograms and breast screenings because they’re cost-prohibitive,” said Kimberly Stigers, M.D., radiologist. “Through this funding, we’re able to continue to further our mission to bring healing, hope and wellness to all.” Thanks in part to funding from the generous supporters of the Saint Joseph Hospital Foundation, Saint Joseph East has nearly completed a $1 million expansion for breast care. The newly upgraded facility will feature the new imaging technology digital breast tomography, often referred to as 3D mammography. This new technology is key to the increasing awareness, treatment and screening options for women in central Kentucky. The expansion will add nearly 2,100 square feet to the existing 3,800 square foot breast care services area. The extra space will allow for an additional mammography suite. Private dressing rooms will provide a spa-like atmosphere, and comfortable waiting areas will be available for family members. The availability of additional dressing rooms and diagnostic areas will better accommodate and assist with the transition between patients and procedures. Breast cancer affects 12 percent of women and is the second leading cause of cancer deaths among women in the U.S. According to the American Cancer Society, nearly 40,000 women will die of breast cancer this year alone. Death rates from breast cancer have been declining since 1989, which is believed to be the result of earlier detection through screening, increased awareness and improved treatment. Access to mammograms through programs like Yes Mamm! is vital to improving these statistics among the underserved. Since the Affiliate’s inception in 1996, Komen Lexington has helped fund $4.5 million for local programs, funding potentially lifesaving services for the underserved and the uninsured men and women. Komen Lexington raises money locally to help people. Approximately 75 percent of net funds raised stay in the community to invest in programs to support the local mission work, 25 percent is then invested into research to find the cure for breast cancer. Susan G. Komen for the Cure is the world’s largest breast cancer organization, and the Lexington Affiliate is one of 122 Affiliates on the front lines dedicated to ending breast cancer in their communities. Komen Affiliates fund innovative programs that help women and men overcome the cultural, social, educational and financial barriers to breast cancer screening and treatment. A large portion of the Lexington Affiliate’s funding, including the work to be done at Saint Joseph Hospital, Saint Joseph London and Saint Joseph Berea, will be geared toward outpatient services along with patient navigation. Patient navigation is defined as a service that provides breast health educations guidance to patients, families and caregivers to make informed decisions while collaborating with a multi-disciplinary team to ensure timely breast cancer screening, diagnostics, treatment, and supportive care. It ensures that no person is lost in the healthcare system and it is only one way Komen Lexington is addressing the alarming mortality disparities facing Kentucky’s men and women. Yearly mammograms are recommended for all women beginning at age 40 and continuing as long as they are in good health. Mammography appointments are available at Saint Joseph Hospital, Saint Joseph East, Saint Joseph Jessamine and Tates Creek Outpatient Care Center by calling 859.967.5613. Those interested may also call Kentucky Cancer Link, an organization that’s primary purpose is to provide support by reducing and/or eliminating barriers to screening, diagnosis and treatment for breast cancer patients. They can be reached at 877.597.4655.
Posted on: Mon, 21 Jul 2014 12:41:36 +0000
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