Thanks to a grant for $200,000 from The New York State Senate Health Committee, under the chairmanship of Sen. Kemp Hannon, the Adelphi NY Statewide Breast Cancer Program can greatly increase its outreach to underserved women.
Says Hannon, “I congratulate Adelphi for creating this new program to address disparities and at risk communities which may not otherwise receive services. This is essential to ensuring that all women are guaranteed the education, screenings and treatment they deserve.”
The Adelphi program, called BEST (Breast Education Screening and Treatment), is designed to reduce breast cancer mortality by addressing disparities, increasing access to quality and timely care, and improving outcomes through patient navigation, targeting Long Island’s most at risk communities (African American and Hispanic women, undocumented immigrants and other medically underserved populations over 40 that face unique barriers to care).
BEST works collaboratively with community partners including the Cancer Services Program, large health care institutions and small organizations that expand outreach and a range of resources. BEST will facilitate workshops for women, provide referrals, and provide culturally competent patient navigation to improve retention in treatment.
“Early detection is key for treatment of breast cancer and the BEST program breaks down barriers to ensure all women have access to screenings,” says Senate Health Committee member Elaine Phillips. “By promoting the importance of mammograms, providing improved screening options, and expanding programs, we can help countless women and ensure healthier communities in our state.”
Sen. Carl Marcellino, also a member of the health committee, feels that the BEST program will help women through challenging times. “Underinsured and uninsured women have a difficult time navigating the system and finding the services that they need,” he says.
For more information, call the Adelphi NY Statewide Breast Cancer Hotline & Support Program at 800-877-8077. You are not alone.
