FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Virginia Blue Ridge Affiliate of Susan G. Komen

540-400-8222
cturner@komenvablueridge.org
THE VIRGINIA BLUE RIDGE AFFILIATE ANNOUNCES FUNDING OF SUSAN G. KOMEN
COMMUNITY GRANTS AS IT APPROACHES ITS 7TH ANNUAL RACE FOR THE CURE
$291,000 in Grants for Blue Ridge Region
To Help Uninsured and Underserved Women
Roanoke, VA April 5, 2016 The Virginia Blue Ridge Affiliate of Susan G. Komen is proud to announce it has
contributed $123,000 to National Breast Cancer Research and $291,000 to fund five innovative local breast health
programs. The Virginia Blue Ridge Affiliate is working diligently to guarantee that every woman in this area has access
to breast health care and education. To meet needs we have discovered right here in our community, this years grants
specifically address funding for screening and diagnostic mammograms, outreach and breast health education
programs, and treatment assistance for uninsured and underinsured women and men, said Catherine Turner,
Executive Director of the Affiliate. Since 2008, the Virginia Blue Ridge Affiliate of Susan G. Komen has raised just
over $2.8 Million for both local Breast Cancer programs and National Breast Cancer Research.
Area agencies designated to receive Komen grants from the Virginia Blue Ride Affiliate include Carilion Clinic Breast
Care Center, Roanoke, VA ($45,646); Centras Pearson Cancer Centers Comprehensive Breast Program, Lynchburg,
VA ($62,180); The Free Clinic of Danville, Danville, VA ($67,861); Martinsville-Henry County Coalition for Health and
Wellness, Martinsville, VA ($50,687), and the Virginia Department of Health, Mount Rogers Health District, Marion, VA
($64,626).
In order to ensure we are funding noteworthy area programs that provide assistance to women who previously have
been underserved, the Komen Virginia Blue Ridge Affiliate works closely with local health care professionals and
community leaders. We conduct a comprehensive community needs assessment across our 31 city/county area. This
community profile, a standard practice of all Komen Affiliates, is then used to establish a local grant application and
review process consistent with Komen standards and mission.
Findings from the Komen Virginia Blue Ridge Affiliate 2015-2019 Community Profile reveal that access to and timely
progression through the breast cancer continuum of care is believed to reduce breast cancer mortality rates and
numbers of late-stage diagnoses. Receiving regular screening mammograms lowers an individuals risk of dying from
breast cancer; however, individuals often present with late-stage diagnoses and would have a greater chance of
survival if the breast cancer was found early and treated.
With the support of our signature fundraiser, the Annual Virginia Blue Ridge Race for the Cure, the Affiliate can continue
to provide medical care for these women and financially support community programs. This years race will be held on
Saturday, April 9th. Board President, Heather Ferguson, encourages the community to support the event. Without the
continued commitment of the community, our Affiliate would not be able to provide lifesaving breast health navigation,
breast cancer screening, diagnostics, treatment and treatment support services for uninsured and underinsured women
(and men) in need. This years race expects over 2500 participants. Learn more about the race or sign up to
participate at www.komenvablueridge.org.
About Susan G. Komen and the Virginia Blue Ridge Affiliate.
The Virginia Blue Ridge Affiliate is part of the worlds largest and most progressive grassroots network fighting breast
cancer along with a nationwide network of 102 other affiliates. 75 percent of net proceeds generated by the Affiliate stay
in the Blue Ridge region. The remaining 25 percent funds national breast cancer research. For more information, call
540-400-8222 or visit www.komenvablueridge.org.