St. Catherine Hospital Receives $20,000 Grant to Promote Annual Breast Cancer Screenings for Uninsured, Underinsured Residents

St-Catherine-Hospital-recipient-of-20000-IBCAT-grant-for-breast-cancer-screeningsThe Indiana Breast Cancer Awareness Trust has awarded a one year, $20,000 grant to St. Catherine Hospital for a breast cancer screening and awareness program called, “Pink Passion.”

This is the second year the hospital has received a $20,000 grant for the mammogram screening program, and the fourth consecutive time St. Catherine Hospital has been awarded funding from the Trust.

“We are grateful to the Indiana Breast Cancer Awareness Trust for funds that promote health and wellness among uninsured or underinsured individuals in our community,” said Leo Correa, chief executive officer of St. Catherine Hospital. “We know how important these screenings are for every woman, and this funding allows us to provide a continuum of breast care to those who might otherwise go without.”

Quality Care Navigator Belia Mendez, RN, Women’s Diagnostic Center at St. Catherine Hospital, said the “Pink Passion” program enables patients who demonstrate financial need, live in Lake or Porter counties, have no health insurance or hold a policy that either does not pay for screening mammography or comes with a high-deductible, to be candidates for free mammogram screenings or ultrasound services.

“Advanced research has shown that a breast mammogram or ultrasound services can be an important tool in early detection for breast cancer, yet many women delay these tests because the cost may be considered too prohibitive,” said Mendez.

With “Pink Passion,” the odds for early detection of breast cancer can rise exponentially, she added.

The IBCAT funds are raised through the Indiana Department of Motor Vehicle sale of a Breast Cancer Awareness license plate. For each $40 plate sold, a direct tax-deductible donation of $25 is made to the IBCAT for annual, competitively awarded grants.

For more information, contact Mendez, coordinator of the “Pink Passion” project, at 219-392-7346. Visit https://www.comhs.org/services/womens-care to learn more about breast health and the Women’s Diagnostic Center.