As part of its Pink Promise United initiative, United Way of Central Georgia has announced a new partnership with Atrium Health Navicent and Houston Healthcare to provide breast cancer screenings and treatment to uninsured and underinsured women in 15 Central Georgia counties.
United Way of Central Georgia created Pink Promise United (PPU) in 2018 to fill the void left by the Susan G. Komen Foundation's withdrawal from Central Georgia. Mammogram screenings and readings are provided by PPU to women who are uninsured, underinsured, low-income, or otherwise unable to access health care. Additional diagnostics may also be covered by PPU.
Over 1,500 women have been screened for breast cancer since PPU was founded with 88 women having an abnormal result and/or needing further diagnostic testing. A total of $364,181 has been granted to cover this critical care.
Providing equity in care can be challenging due to a lack of transportation. Through PPU, women can also access transportation through PPU’s rideshare program or receive gas cards. A total of $7,500 in gas cards has been used for screenings and appointments.
“We are excited to partner with Atrium Health Navicent and Houston Healthcare as we work to expand the impact of Pink Promise United. Working directly with them will allow us to extend the availability of our PPU funds to even more uninsured or underinsured women in Central Georgia,” said United Way of Central Georgia President & CEO George McCanless.
“Screening and early detection are critical in the fight against breast cancer, but many women may delay getting a mammogram due to a lack of insurance coverage or transportation. Thanks to the United Way of Central Georgia for partnering with Atrium Health Navicent as we bridge barriers to increase access to high quality care, improving health, elevating hope, and advancing healing for all,” said Atrium Health Navicent President and CEO Delvecchio Finley.
“Houston Healthcare is excited to partner with United Way to help meet our community’s healthcare needs. On behalf of Houston Healthcare and United Way, we are extremely grateful to be part of the Pink Promise United initiative that will provide immense benefits to so many women throughout Central Georgia,” said Charles Briscoe, United Way of Central Georgia Board Chair and Houston Healthcare President & CEO.
Patients of First Choice Primary Care, Houston County Volunteer Medical Clinic, Macon Volunteer Clinic, Community Health Care Systems and Dept. of Public Health are automatically screened for eligibility. Uninsured or underinsured patients of other primary care providers simply need to discuss eligibility with the breast care center when making their mammogram appointment.
A portion of PPU funds will be allocated to Washington County Regional Medical Center to provide services to patients outside of Atrium Health Navicent and Houston Healthcare.
Pink Promise United also promotes breast cancer awareness and education. Every year in May, United Way of Central Georgia hosts the ACE Classic powered by Butler Automotive Group to raise funds and awareness. ACE Classic is a day of tennis, bridge, and golf. This event is a way to give back to women in our community who lack access to potentially life-saving mammograms.
United Way of Central Georgia hosted PINKnic in the Park in October, sponsored by Texas Roadhouse and Capital City Bank. This event honored and celebrated local breast cancer survivors and fighters.
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