Griffin receives $50,000 grant for breast cancer education

DERBY - Griffin Hospital will be able to expand breast cancer education to women in the Naugatuck Valley, thanks to a $50,000 grant from Komen Connecticut.
“We are tremendously grateful to Komen Connecticut for supporting our work, which is educating women and saving lives in our community,” said Griffin Hospital President & CEO Patrick Charmel.

The grant will support the Valley Breast Health Initiative, which provides outreach and education to all women, including the uninsured or underinsured, about the importance of breast wellness and early detection and provide screening mammograms to women who otherwise couldn’t afford them.

The initiative will maintain a presence in neighborhoods, businesses, churches, health clubs, etc. in the greater Valley area, with a special focus on Shelton and Naugatuck, and will help navigate patients through the local health care system, working in tandem with partnering organizations.

“Two critical statistics drive Komen Connecticut’s work. Approximately 3,000 Connecticut women will be diagnosed with breast cancer this year. And Connecticut has the second highest incidence of breast cancer in the United States,” said Anne Morris, Executive Director of Komen Connecticut.

“The work of Griffin Hospital is critically important, and we are very pleased to support their efforts to fight breast cancer in Connecticut. Their dedication and resolve is truly commendable.”

“Komen Connecticut and the thousands of volunteers who support their work throughout Connecticut are having a tremendous impact on the health of women in our state – helping to save lives every day. We are pleased to be part of that effort, and will work together in the year ahead to respond to real needs in our community,” said Director Griffin Hospital’s Community Outreach & Parish Nursing Program Daun Barrett, RN.
Komen Connecticut funds innovative and effective, community-based breast health programs that provide education, screening and treatment in local communities throughout the state. Annual grants are determined by the Komen Connecticut Board of Directors in accordance with the Community Profile of Breast Health in Connecticut, a comprehensive local project that researches the breast health services currently available in Connecticut and identifies the gaps in service to our communities.
Based on the Community Profile, Komen Connecticut’s priorities include strengthening and building the capacity of existing breast health providers, promoting the importance of screening and early detection, and increasing screening resources available to underserved women and women with the highest risk. In each of the past three years, Komen Connecticut has invested over $1 million in Connecticut-based breast health programs throughout the state.
“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,” Morris said.

Griffin Hospital is a 160-bed acute care community hospital serving more than 100,000 residents of the Lower Naugatuck Valley Region. The hospital also serves as the flagship hospital for Planetree, an international leader in patient-centered care and has received national recognition for creating a facility and approach to patient care that is responsive to the needs of patients.
The Hewitt Center for Breast Wellness at Griffin Hospital combines state-of-the-art technology, a team of highly trained physicians and staff, and the Planetree healing environment to offer patients a comprehensive range of personalized breast care and wellness services.


The above press release was provided by Griffin Hospital.