Susan G. Komen Funds Mammograms for Saints Mary and Elizabeth Medical Center

CHICAGO, May 5 /PRNewswire/ — Saints Mary and Elizabeth Medical Center, 2233 W. Division St., Chicago, through the efforts of its Community Health Education Department, received a $75,000 grant from the Chicagoland Affiliate of the Susan G. Komen for the Cure(R) to support breast care efforts for low-income women.

This is the second year the hospital has received this award. To date more than 450 women who might not otherwise be able to afford mammograms have received care through this effort. The goal for 2009-2010 is to reach another 500 women in need of care.

Grant monies fund part of the nurse educator’s salary as well as support a program coordinator, helping patients overcome any barriers to receiving the care they need.

Saints Mary and Elizabeth Medical Center serves a largely Latina and African-American population in Humboldt Park, Logan Square and Austin, some of the most medically underserved neighborhoods in Chicago. This population is significantly at risk for developing breast cancer, and it is also less likely to receive regular screening mammograms.

“Reaching out to women who might not otherwise have access to mammography is an expression of our health care mission,” said Margaret McDermott, Executive Vice President and CEO, SMEMC. “Without free mammograms, many women would not receive a diagnosis or treatment until it is too late.”

“We are profoundly grateful for this support,” McDermott added. “To serve the community in this way is the reason we exist.”

Susan G. Komen for the Cure(R), headquartered in Dallas, Texas, is dedicated to education and research about causes, treatment, and the search for a cure for breast cancer.

Resurrection Health Care is a family of health care services providing advanced medical care and exceptional customer service with compassion and hope. Our hospitals, nursing homes, retirement communities, home health services, behavioral health programs and other services are located in many Chicagoland neighborhoods.

Resurrection Health Care is a not-for-profit Catholic organization sponsored by the Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth and the Sisters of the Resurrection.

SOURCE Saints Mary and Elizabeth Medical Center