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Susan G. Komen® and Walgreens Aim to Cut Breast Cancer Deaths with Millions in New Funds for Patient Navigators in 16 CitiesSusan G. Komen and Walgreens are hoping to reduce breast cancer deaths in 16 cities and a dozen states with $3 million in new grants, announced today, for patient navigation programs aimed at medically underserved and vulnerable people facing breast cancer. The new grants support Komen's National Patient Navigation Program, which aims to connect patients who have received abnormal breast imaging results with specially trained navigators that can guide them through and around the barriers in the complex cancer care system to ensure timely diagnosis and treatment. Navigation programs are associated with improved breast cancer survival rates, and may be especially helpful for medically underserved women who lack insurance or adequate resources to see themselves through treatment. "More than 230,000 women in the U.S. will be diagnosed with breast cancer this year, and each will face difficult decisions about treatment, finances, family, work and so much more," said Komen President and CEO Judith Salerno, M.D., M.S. "The patient navigation services funded by Walgreens and its customers help ensure that women receive the care they need by linking them with support and resources, and empowering them throughout their breast cancer journey." The program is supported by more than $2 million in funds raised by Walgreens and Walgreens customers during National Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October 2013. Over the last four years, the Walgreens program has raised more than $19 million. "A cancer diagnosis is life changing and can be overwhelming. The navigator program assists in those critical first steps in accessing treatment to beat breast cancer. Walgreens would like to thank our customers for making this program possible," said John Gremer, director of community affairs for Walgreens. Up to $200,000 in funding to support patient navigation services has been awarded to:
In addition to the Patient Navigation program, funds raised to date have supported (and will continue to support) essential breast cancer services nationwide, including: breast cancer screening services; the expansion of Komen's Helpline (1-877 GO KOMEN); Komen's National Treatment Assistance Program; and community education and support programs. Read more about Walgreens commitment to Susan G. Komen and the mission to end breast cancer. About Susan G. Komen® Susan G. Komen is the world's largest breast cancer organization, funding more breast cancer research than any other nonprofit while providing real-time help to those facing the disease. Since its founding in 1982, Komen has funded more than $847 million in research and provided $1.8 billion in funding to screening, education, treatment and psychosocial support programs serving millions of people in more than 30 countries worldwide. Komen was founded by Nancy G. Brinker, who promised her sister, Susan G. Komen, that she would end the disease that claimed Suzy's life. Visit komen.org or call 1-877 GO KOMEN. Connect with us on social at ww5.komen.org/social. About Walgreens Walgreens (www.walgreens.com), the nation's largest drugstore chain, constitutes the Retail Pharmacy USA Division of Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc. (Nasdaq: WBA), the first global pharmacy-led, health and wellbeing enterprise. More than 8 million customers interact with Walgreens each day in communities across America, using the most convenient, multichannel access to consumer goods and services and trusted, cost-effective pharmacy, health and wellness services and advice. Walgreens operates 8,232 drugstores with a presence in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Walgreens digital business includes Walgreens.com, drugstore.com, Beauty.com, SkinStore.com and VisionDirect.com. Walgreens also manages more than 400 Healthcare Clinic and provider practice locations around the country. |
