P R E S S R E L E A S E
For Immediate Release: Thursday, September 21
Contact: Christi Sheffield
Southwest Georgia Cancer Coalition, Inc., (229) 312-1703
Southwest Georgia Cancer Coalition Awards $30,000 in Local Grants
Albany, Georgia: September 21, 2006 – The Southwest Georgia Cancer Coalition today announced $30,000 in local grants to benefit cancer patients and their families who reside within their 33 county service region.
According to Diane Fletcher, SWGCC CEO, this is the first time the Coalition has the ability to fund local community organizations. “This is an excellent opportunity for us to support grassroots community efforts to help patients and their families who are coping with cancer,” she stated.
The grants are provided by proceeds raised from the 2005 RiverFront Run sponsored by the Southwest Georgia Cancer Coalition. Nonprofit community-based health or advocacy organizations that directly support cancer patients were encouraged to apply for these funds.
The grants have 3 primary goals:
- To improve the ability of cancer patients and their families to manage their disease effectively.
- To assist organizations in the timely delivery of cancer treatment and support.
- To promote cancer education and support for cancer patients and their families from diagnosis through end of life care.
The grants awarded today create opportunities to expand resources provided to cancer patients within their local communities. A total of four awards were granted:
- Mitchell County Food Bank & Help Center: Total: $2,000
This organization will explore through a pilot project the donation of nutritional supplements, such as Ensure, to low-income families in Mitchell County who have a member diagnosed with cancer. They also will supply groceries for the family if needed, especially if a family member is currently undergoing cancer treatment.
- The Partnership Cancer Fund: Total: $3,000
This organization is under the oversight of the Lowndes County Partnership for Health and was formed to provide direct assistance to anyone in Lowndes County who receives treatment for cancer. Some types of assistance include transportation, nutritional supplements, cost of durable medical equipment, and medications related to cancer.
- Phoebe Cancer Center: Total: $15,000
Phoebe Cancer Center and the American Cancer Society have proposed developing a cancer patient navigator program. These funds are to be used to assist cancer patients and their families navigate the care delivery system from diagnosis and treatment through end-of-life care or long-term survivorship.
- Singletary Oncology Center at John D. Archbold Memorial Hospital: Total: $10,000
The Singletary Oncology Center will provide direct support for cancer patients and their families in navigating the care delivery system and providing cancer-associated supplies and drugs to the uninsured.
About the Southwest Georgia Cancer Coalition:
The Southwest Georgia Cancer Coalition is a collaborative network of four regional cancer centers, public health and academic institutions, community service organizations, faith-based groups and cancer survivors committed to reducing cancer mortality in Southwest Georgia. For more information on this local organization, visit www.swgacancer.org.
Contact:
Christi Sheffield, Communications / Project Coordinator
Southwest Georgia Cancer Coalition
229-312-1703
email Christi Sheffield