Chatham Health District Receives Grant from Komen Connecticut

The Connecticut Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure awarded a $59,200.00 grant to Chatham Health District in partnership with the Cromwell Health Department for Education and Outreach to connect women to screening services in the town of Cromwell.

The Chatham Health District serves the towns of Colchester, East Haddam, East Hampton, Haddam, Hebron, Marlborough and Portland.

The grant from Komen Connecticut will support the Breast Cancer Awareness Program (B-CAP), an initiative to collectively increase breast-self exams, clinical breast exams and screening mammogram rates. The program will involve education and outreach to community members promoting the importance of early detection of breast cancer.

The program will bring awareness about the importance of annual screening methods among women 40 years and older and high risk women under age 40. The program will reach out to all women with a focus on the low-income, the uninsured, the elderly, women with disabilities and diverse populations.

With the help of the community, Komen Connecticut raises money year round to invest in national research initiatives and Connecticut-based education, screening and treatment programs for breast cancer and breast health. The Cromwell B-CAP is one such local program that provides education for Connecticut women.

“It’s important that we work together to improve the breast health of all Connecticut residents,” said Anne Morris, executive director for Komen Connecticut. “Until we find the cures for breast cancer, these local programs are essential in ensuring that women in our communities have the support and care they need to get and stay healthy. We’re proud to support Chatham Health District and Cromwell Health Department and their efforts to fight breast cancer in Connecticut.”

The grant supporting the Cromwell B-CAP is one of 19 awarded by Komen Connecticut this year. For the second year in a row, Komen Connecticut has invested more than $1 Million in Connecticut-based breast health programs throughout the state.

The Chatham Health District and the Cromwell Health Department are both public health agencies that are committed to providing communities comprehensive public health services to prevent disease and injury, promote healthier communities and ensure a safe environment. Both local health departments are committed to eliminating disparities in the incidence of disease and outcomes across all demographic groups and identifying and removing barriers, while promoting access to appropriate services. For additional information on the program or to apply for free screenings for the uninsured or underinsured call Vickie at 860-365-0884.

Komen for the Cure’s presence in Connecticut began in 1994 with the Race for the Cure. The local organization was incorporated as an Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure in 1999. Komen Connecticut serves local communities by providing funding for research and local life-saving programs which address education, screening and treatment for Connecticut residents. In 2010, Komen Connecticut invested $1.02 Million locally, providing funding to 21 Connecticut breast health programs. Since 1994, Komen for the Cure has awarded more than $20 Million to programs in our local communities. For more information, visit KomenCT.org or call 860-321-7806.