A program designed to remove cultural, linguistic, and transportation barriers for breast cancer screening among Filipino-American women is one of 16 community grants the Hawaii Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure® has awarded this year in order to save lives and end breast cancer forever.
Filipino-American women have the lowest rates of preventative breast health care. As a strategy to increase breast cancer screening among Filipino-American women, Hawaii Pacific University nurse practitioner student plans to translate educational material on breast health and breast cancer in three major Filipino dialects (Tagalog, Ilokano, and Visayan). With guidance by a seasoned nurse educator, this nurse practitioner student, fluent in all three dialects, with provide educational material to client in their own dialect and perform clinical breast examinations.
A total of $391,474 will be given to local community organizations. Other grantees included the Bay Clinic, Inc., Hamakua Health Center, Hui Malama Ola Na Oiwi, Kalihi-Palama Health Center, Kokolulu Farm & Cancer Retreats, Inc., Kokua Kalihi Valley Comprehensive Family Services, Lanai Community Health Center, Molokai General Hospital, Na Pu`uwai/Ke Ola Hou O Lana`i, Pacific Cancer Foundation, The Queen’s Medical Center, Waikiki Health Center, and the Waimanalo Health Center
For some, the choice between a breast cancer screening and daily living expenses can be a life-or-death gamble. Thanks to one of the largest community grant awards ever, the Hawaii Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure® this year is trying to ensure no woman in Hawaii has to make that agonizing but all-too-common decision.
“Our goal is to collaborate and partner with other cancer organizations to increase available breast cancer screening, diagnosis, treatment and follow-up care services throughout the Hawaiian Islands to the low income, uninsured and underinsured women,” said Lori Garcia, Mission Coordinator of the Affiliate.
The Komen Hawaii Affiliate is one of 123 Komen Affiliates worldwide – all pledging to relieve suffering from the disease and to end breast cancer forever. Through local events and activities, the Komen Hawaii Affiliate mobilizes and educates thousands of community members while raising funds to support community-based breast cancer programs.
In order to ensure it’s funding programs address the specific unmet breast cancer needs of the community, the Komen Hawaii Affiliate works with local health care professionals and community leaders to conduct a comprehensive community needs assessment. This community assessment in conjuction with the organization’s mission establishes the criteria for grant applications and grant review process consistent with the organization’s standards and mission.
For more information on the specific grants awarded, visit www.komenhawaii.org