April 1, 2010

CONTACT: 
Nancy Braden, 303-239-7137
Public Information Coordinator

Jefferson County, CO. – Jefferson County residents will benefit again this year from a $60,000 grant provided to the Jefferson County Public Health Community Health Services. The grant, received from Susan G. Komen for the Cure, will be used for various breast cancer-related services, including mammogram screenings. 

The Susan G. Komen for the Cure’s mission is to eradicate breast cancer as a life-threatening disease by advancing research, education, screening and treatment. “This grant will help us continue our outreach efforts with breast health education and screening,” said Rhonda Holloway, RN, Community Health Services Nursing Supervisor.

The JCPH Women Wellness Connection educates women who are uninsured or underinsured and offers avenues and incentives in obtaining regular mammogram screening. “All of the Komen funds will be used to pay for essential breast health screenings and we know these screening tests can save lives.” 

JCPH is especially interested in providing breast screening services to Latina, Native American, Asian, African-American and rural women who are uninsured or underinsured and who have never had a mammogram or have not had one in two or more years. “Women in this target group may be at risk for breast cancer,” said Rhonda Holloway, RN. “Other risk factors include family history of breast cancer, increasing age and being a former or current smoker. Many women don’t know about or don’t take advantage of breast screenings. We urge all women to get these life-saving exams.”

Eligibility for the program is based on financial qualification. To find out if you qualify and to make an appointment, please call the JCPH Lakewood clinic at 303-239-7078 or the Arvada clinic at 303-275-7500. For more information on public health clinic services: www.jeffco.us/health.