Drexel University College of Medicine’s Department of Surgery was recently awarded a Susan G. Komen Philadelphia® Community Grant to advance critical and life-saving breast cancer early detection, treatment and support for patients for 2015-2016.

The College received a Screening/Treatment Grant from the Komen Philadelphia Community Grants Program to fund the department’s Women’s Health Project. Its goal this year is to provide free mammograms, diagnostics and treatment to an estimated 500 uninsured women in the Philadelphia area.

“This grant will help in our goal to reduce health disparities for the uninsured population in this city and to increase awareness about the importance of early detection of breast cancer. The earlier it is caught, the better, so we need people to get screened,” said Samira Islam, MPH, clinical research coordinator of the Women's Health Project, Department of Surgery. This is the tenth continuous year the Women’s Health Project has been funded.

“Over the years our Community Grants Program has driven great progress in educating and motivating women to talk about breast cancer, practice early detection and prioritize their breast heath," said Elaine I. Grobman, chief executive officer of Susan G. Komen Philadelphia. "This progress means more women than ever are now seeking help and our current grantees are at the ready to deliver with free mammograms and treatment. This new era is about leveling the playing for ALL women to survive."

For the 2015–2016 grant period, Komen Philadelphia distributed the more than $1.3 million in grants to support breast health education, awareness, screening and treatment initiatives specifically targeting low-income, uninsured women. The grant period runs from April 1, 2015 to March 31, 2016. A complete list of 2015–2016 grantees, grant type and funded program for each is available at www.KomenPhiladelphia.org.