Every year in May, United Way of Central Georgia hosts the ACE Classic powered by Butler Automotive Group to raise funds and awareness. ACE Classic is a day of tennis, bridge, and golf. This event is a way to give back to women in our community who lack access to potentially life-saving mammograms.
Issue: Breast cancer screenings and treatment can be challenging to access for uninsured and underinsured women in Central Georgia. The void left by the Susan G. Komen Foundation's withdrawal from the region has created a gap in services, leaving many women without the necessary resources for mammogram screenings and diagnostics. Additionally, transportation barriers further hinder women from accessing critical breast cancer care.
UWCG's Role: United Way of Central Georgia responded to this critical issue by establishing Pink Promise United (PPU) in 2018. In collaboration with Atrium Health Navicent and Houston Healthcare, PPU partners to provide breast cancer screenings and treatment to uninsured and underinsured women in 15 Central Georgia counties. By bridging the gap in access to care, PPU strives to ensure that all women have the opportunity to receive timely and essential breast cancer screenings and diagnostics.
Impact: Since its founding, Pink Promise United has made a significant impact on breast cancer screening and care for women in Central Georgia. Over 1,500 women have received breast cancer screenings through PPU, with 88 women identified with abnormal results or in need of further diagnostic testing. These screenings have been critical in detecting breast cancer at early stages, increasing the chances of successful treatment. A total of $364,181 in grants has been provided by PPU to cover the cost of these screenings and diagnostics, ensuring that financial barriers do not prevent women from accessing this life-saving care. Recognizing the transportation challenges faced by some women, Pink Promise United offers a rideshare program and provides gas cards, amounting to $7,500, to support transportation to screenings and appointments. This additional support enables more women to access the care they need, regardless of transportation limitations.
PPU has streamlined eligibility for screenings, with patients of specific healthcare providers automatically screened for eligibility. For uninsured or underinsured patients of other primary care providers, eligibility discussions with the breast care center when scheduling mammogram appointments help ensure a smoother process for accessing care.
Through the collaborative efforts of United Way of Central Georgia, Atrium Health Navicent, Houston Healthcare, and other partners, Pink Promise United is making strides in providing equity in breast cancer care for uninsured and underinsured women in the region.
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Pink Promise United also promotes breast cancer awareness and education. United Way of Central Georgia hosted PINKnic in the Park in October, sponsored by Texas Roadhouse and Capital City Bank. This event honored and celebrated local breast cancer survivors and fighters.