The Julie Rogers “Gift of Life” Program Receives $50,000 Grant from Avon Breast Health Outreach Program for Women’s Breast Health & Wellness Program
Local Organization Recognized with Support From National Program
{Beaumont, Texas / February 2, 2017} – The Avon Breast Health Outreach Program has awarded a $50,000 one-year grant to The Julie Rogers “Gift of Life” Program to increase awareness of the life-saving benefits of early detection of breast cancer. It is the seventh year that the program has received funding from the Avon Breast Cancer Crusade to support its work on this important health issue, and in recognition of the program’s excellence.
The Gift of Life Women’s Breast Health & Wellness Program will educate Southeast Texas women and provide them with free mammograms and clinical breast exams in their own communities. The vital program will also provide diagnostic mammograms, ultrasounds and biopsies with access to cancer treatment for medically underserved women. Additional client services include primary care screenings with on-site educators offering cancer awareness and healthy lifestyle information and materials to reduce the risk of disease.
Since 1994, the Gift of Life has reached more than 100,000 women with information about the importance of early detection of breast cancer and has offered almost 32,000 free mammograms and clinical breast exams. The Gift of Life recently expanded its women’s wellness services by enlisting local health departments as providers in the deliverance of preventative healthcare screenings, including blood glucose, blood pressure and cholesterol. Education regarding breast cancer, skin cancer, tobacco prevention and nutrition are also provided at Gift of Life screening sites.
Breast cancer is the most common form of cancer in women in the United States. According to the American Cancer Society, 17,060 new cases of breast cancer will be detected in Texas this year and 2,830 lives will be lost (ACS Cancer Facts and Figures). While advances have been made in prevention, diagnosis, treatment and cure, early detection still affords the best opportunity for successful treatment. Programs such as the Gift of Life Women’s Breast Health & Wellness Program help ensure that all women have access to early detection information and options, even poor and medically underserved women.
“The Gift of Life is honored by Avon’s support of its mission to save lives through strategic collaborations that champion preventative healthcare and our organization’s “no-cost” medical services. Our program advances regional medical and educational initiatives that directly impact the health and well-being of Southeast Texans in our seven-county service area. The much-needed and appreciated award by the Avon Breast Cancer Crusade will further our lifesaving efforts and reduce countywide health disparities,” said Gift of Life Executive Director Norma Sampson.
Since 1993, the Avon Breast Cancer Crusade has awarded more than 1,800 grants to community-based breast health programs across the United States, including the Gift of Life Women’s Breast Health & Wellness Program. The Avon Breast Cancer Crusade awards funding to beneficiaries ranging from leading cancer centers to community-based grassroots breast health programs to support breast cancer research and access to care. Many programs are dedicated to educating underserved women about breast cancer and linking them to early detection screening services. Visit avonbhop.org for more information.
The Avon Breast Health Outreach Program is administered by Cicatelli Associates Inc. to support community-based, non-profit breast health programs across the country. The Fund’s National Advisory Board selected the Gift of Life Women’s Breast Health & Wellness Program as one of 56 new grant recipients nationwide in the 2016 cycle of Avon Breast Health Outreach Program grants. These organizations were chosen based on their ability to effectively reach women, particularly minority, low-income, and older women, who are often medically underserved. For more information on the Gift of Life Breast Health & Wellness Program, please call 409.833.3663. To learn more about the Avon Breast Health Outreach Program, visit www.avonbhop.org
