The Rhode Island Department of Health (HEALTH) is pleased to announce that as a result of a $100,000 donation from an anonymous benefactor and a $10,000 donation from the Gloria Gemma Breast Cancer Resource Foundation, the Women’s Cancer Screening Program will be able to start offering screening and diagnostic services for breast and cervical cancer on May 1, 2010.
“We are grateful for the generosity that has been extended to HEALTH,” said Director of Health David R. Gifford, MD, MPH. “In the past year, this program has seen an unprecedented increase in Rhode Island women who need these services. These donations will allow providers to resume screening and diagnostic services for women sooner than was planned.”
“The Gloria Gemma Breast Cancer Resource Foundation is pleased to participate in assisting the RI Department of Health's efforts to resume breast cancer screening services to the women of Rhode Island,” said Director of Development Gary Calvino, “It is our belief that in these difficult financial times, federal, state, non-profit and corporate partnerships are essential. Because of our expanding efforts to educate financially challenged women about the importance of proper screenings, our Foundation understands the burden that will be added to the Women's Cancer Screening Program. In forging these partnerships, we increase the possibility of preventing this type of shortfall from happening again in 2011.”
The Women’s Cancer Screening Program provides breast and cervical cancer screening and diagnostic services for Rhode Island women ages 40 and older who are have no health insurance and whose income is less than 250% of the federal poverty level. For information, visit http://www.health.state.ri.us/disease/cancer/women-screening.php or call 222-4324.