Novant Health Rowan Medical Center

SALISBURY — Susan G. Komen Charlotte has awarded a $63,419 grant to Novant Health Rowan Medical Center Foundation to provide mammography screenings and diagnostic services for underinsured and uninsured people in Rowan and surrounding counties.

The Komen grant will support the Novant Health Rowan Breast Screening and Education Program, an initiative to provide screening and diagnostic services to underinsured and uninsured people to reduce late-stage breast cancer diagnoses.

Based at Novant Health Imaging Julian Road, the project will provide 144 screening mammograms, including 97 three-dimensional tomography screenings, and 131 diagnostic procedures, including breast ultrasounds and biopsies.

“Novant Health Imaging Julian Road remains thankful for the continued support provided by Susan G. Komen Charlotte,” said Jill McNeely, breast health navigator.

“Rowan and Cabarrus counties continue to experience high demand for breast screening services,” McNeely said. “Screening mammography is the best tool for early detection of breast cancer. Komen Charlotte funding provides much-needed relief to fill the gap for underinsured and uninsured residents. Last year, funding provided 140 screening mammograms, 36 of those three-dimensional tomography screenings. This year’s funding reflects the importance of the latest digital technology to detect breast cancer at an earlier stage.”

Komen Charlotte is one of more than 80 local affiliates of the world’s largest breast cancer organization, working in communities across the United States to meet the most critical needs.

To help achieve Komen’s goal to reduce breast cancer deaths by 50 percent in the U.S. by 2026, Komen affiliates fund innovative breast health projects that provide breast cancer screening and diagnostic and treatment services and support, including patient navigation, education, medical supplies and financial assistance.

“We conducted a needs assessment of our community and discovered high rates of breast cancer in Rowan and Cabarrus counties, and the incidence rates for these counties are increasing,” said Sarah Bailey, Komen Charlotte director of community health. “We are confident that, through Novant Health Rowan’s Breast Screening and Education Program, underinsured and uninsured minority populations in Rowan and Cabarrus counties will have access to the potentially life-saving breast services they need and will enter the breast health continuum of care.”

To qualify for a grant-funded screening, contact Jill McNeely at 704-210-6927.