Grant funds breast screenings
Posted on Wednesday, April 16, 2008
No matter how health conscious, diligent about taking vitamins and active a person tries to be, it’s impossible to be prepared to contend with the terror of discovering a lump in a breast.
The sheer fear of worrying over that health issue is strain enough without also having to fret over how to pay for treatment. The cost and its weight on family finances is something that uninsured and underinsured men and women wrangle with on a regular basis.
Instead of focusing attention on healing and recovery, many find themselves stooped over bills and pink notices with glaring past-due balances.
Raquel Beck, director of St. Francis Clinic in Siloam Springs, empathizes with people in that situation. Teamed with Perri Jackson, project manager of the local clinic’s Image Worth a Lifetime breast cancer prevention program, Beck is working to make a difference and alleviate some pressure.
Beck just received news that she considers truly fantastic. The clinic was awarded a $ 59, 111 check designated to pay fors a 12-month program that allows St. Francis Clinic to provide free medical evaluations, biopsy tests, and screening and diagnostic mammograms to uninsured and underinsured men and women under 40 who meet certain financial criteria.
“ We are absolutely thrilled to receive this grant, but the funds are restricted and absolutely cannot be touched except for breast care, ” Beck said. “ This means a lot to our clinic but we are still in great need. ”
The grant, funded by Susan G. Komen Foundation, is a follow-up on a similar grant that funded the same program in 2007. Last year’s grant of $ 36, 233 began in January and was expected to last 15 months. By early February the fund pool was dry and the clinic was no longer able to offer the free services.
“ It wasn’t a terrible thing that we ran out of money, ” Jackson said. “ They see the need in western Benton County for free services — there’s nothing else within 28 miles like this. ”
Patients in 2008 can expect an extension of services that were offered at the clinic last year and possibly more because money has been allocated somewhat differently, Beck said. The grant will run through March 31, 2009, or as long as the money holds up.
“ We are planning to see more patients this year, ” Beck said. “ We’re overcoming barriers one exam at a time and want to get as many people in as we can. ”
Last year 136 patients were seen in clinic, 88 of which had mammograms, ultrasounds or both. Six patients required further treatment, Jackson said. Patients came from western Benton County and eastern Adair and Delaware counties in Oklahoma. While more than 80 patients living in Benton County were served, many women from Oklahoma were also treated.
The goal for this year has been set for at least 89 patients to have diagnostic testing.
“ Early detection is the key to it all, ” Beck said. “ We want people to know that we are here for them, we have restricted funds but we will do everything that we can to help. ”
People interested in participating in the screenings can look for newspaper advertisements detailing time and date of clinics and are welcome to call the clinic for information, Jackson said. In addition, Jackson posts information at area grocery stores, passes out flyers and requests that people spread the word as much as possible.
“ Breast health is so important to this area and to our country, ” Jackson said. “ We have a St. Francis team getting ready for Race for the Cure and we can’t wait. ”
The Ozark edition of the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure will be Saturday at Arvest Ballpark in Springdale.
Participants who are already registered are encouraged to arrive before 8 a. m. Late registration and fee collection will be available on site beginning at 6 a. m., Beck said. Registration forms are available at St. Francis Clinic and online at www. komenozark. org as well.
“ The race shows a really human side to it, ” Beck said. “ Everyone everywhere knows someone who has been touched by cancer and this is a way to show support. ”
Both Beck and Jackson will be ready at the starting line on Saturday, prepared to carry the memory of loved ones and those they’ve never met who have suffered, died or survived cancer.
“ Susan G. Komen (Foundation ) offers support to people who don’t know where to start, ” Jackson said. “ It’s awesome because 75 percent of the proceeds will return back into communities in Northwest Arkansas to keep funding grants like the one we just received. ”
Racers take the course at their own pace, wearing T-shirts provided by organizers. Post-race parties will be held in various tents at the ballpark and attendees will enter raffles, participate in games and win prizes.
“ This race has an overwhelming impact, ” Beck said. “ You see pele who are survivors running and walking and there’s an electricity in the air. ”
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