Statement by Vicki Cowart President and CEO, Planned Parenthood of the Rocky Mountains
For Immediate Release: Jan. 30, 2014
The outpouring of support for women in need of lifesaving breast cancer screening this week has been astonishing and is a testament to our nation's compassion and sincerity.
During the last week, millions spontaneously joined a national conversation about lifesaving breast cancer prevention care and reinforced shared values about access to health care for all.
In Colorado, our Denver and Aspen Komen affiliates showed great leadership, courage, and strength by decrying the national edict from the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Foundation. The Colorado affiliates of Komen sent a strong signal to their national foundation by echoing the sentiment of many Americans which is to keep politics out of women’s health.
We are now heartened to learn that in Colorado and across the nation, we can continue to work in partnership toward our shared commitment to breast health for the most underserved women.
This compassionate outcry in support of those most in need rose above political, ideological, and cultural divides, and will surely be recognized as one of our nation's better moments during a contentious political time. Planned Parenthood thanks each and every person who has contributed to elevating the importance of breast cancer prevention for so many women in need.
PPRM would also like to thank all the courageous individuals behind the Denver and Aspen Komen affiliates. Thank you for standing with Planned Parenthood.
We are enormously grateful that the Komen Foundation has clarified its grantmaking criteria, and we look forward to continuing our partnership with Komen partners, leaders and volunteers. What these past few days have demonstrated is the deep resolve all Americans share in the fight against cancer, and we honor those who are at the helm of this battle.
Planned Parenthood has been a trusted partner with the Komen Foundation in early cancer detection and prevention services. In particular, Planned Parenthood helps the Komen Foundation reach vulnerable populations — low-income women, African-American women, and Latinas — especially in rural areas and underserved communities where Planned Parenthood health centers are their only source of health care. With Komen Foundation grants, over the past five years, Planned Parenthood health centers provided nearly 170,000 clinical breast exams and more than 6,400 mammogram referrals. With the outpouring of support over the past week, even more women in need will receive lifesaving breast cancer care.
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Planned Parenthood of the Rocky Mountains empowers individuals and families in the communities we serve to make informed choices about their sexual and reproductive health by providing high quality health services, comprehensive sex education, and strategic advocacy. More than 123,000 women, men, and young adults annually visit our 28 health centers throughout Colorado, New Mexico, Southern Nevada, and Wyoming. Since 1916, we have been the region’s most trusted provider of reproductive health care. For more information about Planned Parenthood of the Rocky Mountains, call1.800.230.PLAN or visit pprm.org for the health center nearest you.
Source
Planned Parenthood of the Rocky Mountains, Inc.
Contact
Monica McCafferty
303.813.7732
720.475.0289
Published
February 03, 2012