Susan G. Komen Greater Iowa today (Wednesday), announced nearly $330,000 in new community grants for 2018-2019. Susan G. Komen has a bold goal to reduce current breast cancer deaths by 50 percent in the U.S. by 2026 To achieve this goal locally, Komen Greater Iowa funds local projects to help meet the most critical needs of the community, including projects that provide vitally needed breast cancer screening, diagnostic and treatment services and support, such as patient navigation, education and financial assistance. Jenny Brinkmeyer, Executive Director of the Affiliate, said “To meet needs we have discovered right here in the communities we serve, this year’s grant slate will fund critical gaps in screening, treatment and education and will help minimize barriers women face in accessing the services they need to stay healthy. We are proud to be able to distribute the funds we raise throughout the year, through events like Race for the Cure, to these worthy organizations.”

Among the programs selected for funding through a competitive application and independent review process, was Jennie Edmundson Hospital in Council Bluffs, to provide financial assistance for breast screening and diagnostic services, support, case management and survivorship care, and, Promise Community Health Center in Sioux Center, to increase awareness of and access to breast health care, education and mammography services and conduct outreach to the Hispanic and Latino population.

Komen Greater Iowa has identified a gap in breast health care within minority populations in the state, and these grants will provide mammography screening for underserved and uninsured Hispanic women,
prevention awareness in minority communities, and enhance communication between health care providers and patients in rural areas. Seventy-five percent of net revenue from the Komen Greater Iowa Race for the Cure® events in Des Moines, Moline, Ottumwa and other events throughout the year are dedicated to funding community health programs. Remaining proceeds fund groundbreaking research to find the cur