Houston, TX, [May 18, 2020] — Studies show women often prioritize the needs of others before their own, including their health and wellness. Many women cite lack of access and expense as reasons they delay preventive health services, like mammograms. In Texas, access to preventive care is not guaranteed, yet early detection mammography screenings are the most powerful weapons in the fight against breast cancer— which is 98% curable when detected early. Long before pink ribbons covered the landscape, The Rose became the first nonprofit breast cancer organization based on the insured covering the costs of the uninsured.
Today, it is a leading nonprofit breast health care organization in southeast Texas. Founded in 1986 by Dorothy Gibbons and Dr. Dixie Melillo, The Rose reduces deaths from breast cancer by providing access to screening, diagnostics and navigation into treatment services to any woman regardless of her ability to pay. The Rose provides advanced digital imaging, mobile mammography covering over 41 counties, and on-site physicians dedicated to breast health available to over 40,000 patients per year. More than a medical facility, The Rose is a caring community where patients say, “You made me feel like a person, not a number.”
This month, The Rose has reopened both centers as well as its Mobile Mammography Coaches. However, The Rose depends on community support and its annual charity luncheon has been cancelled due to the pandemic. This luncheon and the supporters who attend are pivotal in providing help to ensure that all women have a voice and access to quality care. At The Rose, for every 3 insured women who receive their screenings they help provide 1 uninsured woman their mammogram.
The organization is estimated to lose approximately $3 million of insured patient revenue since the temporary closure of their offices during this unprecedented time. That’s why patients who are insured and are due for their annual mammography will be critical in the organization’s long-term mission to end breast cancer — so long as they make and keep their appointments with The Rose.
“We want all women to know they can still turn to The Rose and we absolutely refuse to turn patients away,” says Gibbons. “Women are already fearful of this pandemic. We do not want them worrying about going to a hospital or not being able to afford their mammogram. As standalone diagnostic centers our priority is providing security and safety.”
The Rose has diagnosed 6 patients within the first two weeks of reopening with half being uninsured. To make donations and learn more about The Rose visit their website, www.TheRose.org.
To schedule a media interview with any member of The Rose, please contact Ivis Batista at 978-885-7306 or email [email protected]. For more information, or to donate or volunteer, please visit www.therose.org.
About The Rose
Since 1986, The Rose has provided high quality breast healthcare to all women, regardless of their ability to pay. Its mission is to save lives through quality breast health services, advocacy and access to care for all. As a Breast Imaging Center of Excellence, The Rose is led by Fellowship trained physicians and offers advanced digital technology including 3-D tomosynthesis mammography, diagnostic workups, biopsies and its nationally recognized Patient Navigation Program ensures access to treatment and a continuum of care for all women. As a major part of Southeast Texas’ Healthcare Safety Net, The Rose is a strong advocate for quality breast healthcare and access to care. The Rose provides direct medical services to 40,000 insured and uninsured patients annually. Two Houston-based comprehensive Diagnostic Centers and Mobile Mammography Coaches provide services to women throughout 43 counties in Southeast Texas.
