Arkansas Affiliate of Susan G. Komen recently awarded 19 grants to worthy programs across the state and the Searcy Breast Center and Unity Health Foundation were awarded a grant of $28,162 to support screenings at the Cancer Center of Excellence.

Unity Health Foundation Executive Director Cassandra Feltrop, Arkansas Mission Director Karolyn Taylor and Searcy Breast Center Mammography Technologist Brenda Walker.

“Even though some women may have insurance, it may not cover the payments. This helps more women have access to these services,” said Searcy Breast Center Mammography Technologist Brenda Walker. “The funding will be used by the Searcy Breast Center to provide the screening diagnostic and interventional services to women who lack financial resources. It is targeted for women who have incomes below the poverty level or have a high deductible that impacts negating access for their mammography services.”

A total of $1,046,198 was granted throughout Arkansas. This included $323,000 of funds raised in Arkansas that will go directly into Komen National Research grants to find a cure for breast cancer.

“We are always proud of the opportunity to help the women in our state with grant funds,” said Arkansas Mission Director Karolyn Taylor. “Our grants are a direct result of the hard work of our volunteers and the generosity of our supporters. The recipients of these funds were chosen because their innovative, evidence-based projects aligned with one or more target priorities identified in the Komen Arkansas Community Profile.

“We want to understand the breast cancer needs of every community we serve. Every four years, the Arkansas Affiliate examines the impact of breast cancer within our service area by conducting an assessment, the Community Profile Report, which ensures that our efforts (community outreach, collaborations, grants and public policy work) address the greatest needs in each community. The full Community Profile can be found on our website at komenarkansas.org.”