Komen's Reversal of Controversial Decision Highlights Ongoing Needs
Continued Support for Local Programs Critical
Today the national headquarters for Susan G. Komen for the Cure (SGK) reversed their previous decision regarding future funding for Planned Parenthood Clinics to provide breast care services. This new decision and the controversy preceding it, highlights the need for continued support for women's health care around the country. There are important local ramifications to the national story. The regional SGK affiliate, SGK-South Central WI (SGK-SCW) is reliant on local funding to support critical programs in our community. SGK-SCW spends 75% of all locally donated monies to fund local organizations that provide breast cancer education, screening, treatment, and survivor services. In 2011, SGK-SCW distributed $709,000 to 15 local programs in Dane County. Planned Parenthood Clinics in Dane County have not applied for funding from SGK-SCW for the last 5 years. One of the largest local grantees funded by SGK-SCW is Dane County's WI Well Woman Program (WWWP) and Treatment Access Fund (TAF), which are administered by Public Health Madison and Dane County. SGK-SCW contributes close to $300,000 annually to support these two critical programs. Every year, the WI Well Woman Program and Treatment Access Fund, provides breast cancer education, screening and treatment for 1500 women without health insurance. TAF is 100% funded by SGK-SCW. Since 2000, the TAF has paid out more than $700,000 directly to healthcare providers to cover breast services not covered by WWWP. WWWP and TAF provide access to care, including treatment for breast cancer for women least able to access it any other way. For more information about the local programs supported by SGK-SCW, see http://www.komenmadison.org/ For information about the Dane County WI Well Woman Program and the Treatment Access fund, see http://www.publichealthmdc.com/wwwp/. -END-
