Rhonda M. Medows, MD, Commissioner	Sonny Perdue, Governor

DCH Opens $1.2 Million Grant Program for Breast Cancer Treatment and Screening for Uninsured

The Georgia Department of Community Health (DCH) is improving breast cancer services for the state’s uninsured population through the Georgia ACTS (Access, Care, Treatment and Services) Breast Cancer Grant Program. Part of a statewide, strategic initiative, the program will provide grants to organizations offering breast cancer health promotion, screening and treatment to indigent women.

“Every year more than 1,000 women in Georgia die of breast cancer,” said James Peoples, Executive Director of DCH’s Office of Health Improvement. “This program represents our part in preventing another life joining this statistic. We are empowering community-based organizations to make a significant contribution to the reduction of breast cancer disparities.”

The grant amounts will range from $25,000 to $50,000 for screening projects and up to $300,000 for treatment projects. Community organizations applying for treatment grants must demonstrate strong, comprehensive partnerships with various health care providers to provide breast cancer services to underserved populations.

Breast Cancer is the sixth leading cause of death for women in the United States. Early  diagnosis and advances in treatment have dramatically improved breast cancer survival rates. Community programs supported by Georgia ACTS grants will ensure that more women benefit from medical science and cancer treatment advances.

“Breast Cancer is the second most common cause of cancer death in White, Black, Asian/Pacific Islander, and American Indian/Alaska Native women,” said Dr. Rhonda Medows, DCH Commissioner. “Although cancer deaths have declined for both Whites and African Americans living in the United States, African Americans continue to suffer the greatest burden of this disease, to be diagnosed later and are more likely to die from breast cancer.”

DCH’s Office of Health Improvement and the Georgia Women’s Health Advisory Council will administer the grant program. DCH will accept applications until July 21, 2008.

For more information about the grant program, visit http://dch.georgia.gov/vgn/images/portal/cit_1210/59/10/114969222Breast%20Cancer%20Grant%20May%202008%20Final(6_2).doc