Health System Receives Grant from Komen Coastal Georgia Affiliate for Third Year

The Coastal Georgia Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure® has awarded a $50,000 grant to Southeast Georgia Health Systemfor the “Mammograms in Motion” project. The Health System received grants for $40,000 in 2011 and $45,000 in 2012.

“We’re thrilled to receive the grant for the third year from the Coastal Georgia Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure,” says DelRia Baisden, vice president, Southeast Georgia Health System. “Mammograms in Motion places special emphasis on reaching out to individuals in rural areas who have limited access to health care and health education by using our Wellness On Wheels (WOW).”

Led by the Health System, “Mammograms in Motion” is a collaboration with area physicians, community health centers and county health departments to provide breast health education and outreach, screening mammograms and diagnostic breast work-up services to uninsured and medically underserved individuals residing in Camden, Glynn, Long and McIntosh counties.

“Because of the availability of the Susan G. Komen grant funds, individuals who qualify for participation in the Mammograms in Motion program have no out of pocket costs for these services,” adds Baisden. “Recipients who are screened and need to return for follow-up care will receive diagnostic exams and possible biopsy services, all paid by the Grant.”

The Health System received a grant for $40,000 in 2011, allowing 164 recipients to receive breast care services during April 2011-March 2012. The second grant of $45,000 in 2012 resulted in an increase of 79 recipients receiving services, for a total of 243, during April 2012-March 2013. Services vary per patient. Advanced diagnostic studies and biopsies are provided based on the results of the patient’s screening mammogram.

“Through our grants program, we are able to provide life-saving services to Coastal Georgia residents that might otherwise fall through the cracks,” says Beth Desloges, executive director of the Coastal Georgia Affiliate. “This year we focused our funding on increasing access to care for underinsured women, particularly rural, African American and Latinapopulations.”
For more information about the Southeast Georgia Health System Breast Care Center or the Mammograms in Motion grant, call 912-466-5234or visit sghs.org and click on “Our Services.” To learn when the WOW Mobile Health Vehicle will be in your area, please call 912-466-5164.