Houston, TX [September 11, 2019] – Thanks to a recent grant of $400,000 from Episcopal Health Foundation , The Rose will provide continued access to breast healthcare for 1,000 uninsured women in the 57 counties EHF serves. Services include 3D mammograms, diagnostic testing, and access to treatment if diagnosed. Since 1998, the Episcopal Health Foundation (EHF) and The Rose have partnered to expand breast healthcare outreach in Southeast Texas.
Last year, by partnering with local healthcare providers, federally qualified health centers, state agencies, and physicians, The Rose was able to help medically underserved women in Texas. Over the past three years, EHF funding has made it possible for The Rose to increase the number of patients served in these counties by 64 percent.
These funds continue to support a Community Engagement Navigator who facilitates the use of The Rose’s Mobile Mammography Program– allowing the organization to expand services to an additional county.
“Where would 9,633 women have gone last year for their annual mammogram if The Rose hadn’t been there?” asks Dorothy Gibbons, CEO, and Co-Founder of The Rose. “Sixty-five percent of those women tell us they would not have had one. That means 6,261 women would have waited. For those who already had a small, yet detectable cancer, that wait could have been fatal,” she explains.
“There is a reason why our 3D Mobile Mammography Coaches travel farther than any other program in the state: there is a need. There is also a reason why we are able to serve the way we do: amazing support! We continue to be grateful for the funding for services that comes from the Episcopal Health Foundation,” Gibbons adds.
Last year, EHF launched a $10 million investment plan geared toward strengthening community-based clinics and organizations. The goal was to provide a broader range of health services and to go beyond the doctor’s office to identify and prevent the underlying causes of poor health. The investment part of EHF’s five-year effort that includes a goal of strengthening Texas health systems to become not only more accessible and equitable, but also to improve health, not just healthcare.
“If all the health system offers is more medical procedures, then it isn’t addressing the majority of factors that determine health,” said Elena Marks, EHF’s President, and CEO. “Clinics are key change agents to move health resources toward community prevention. This investment is helping clinics put some of those plans in motion.”
The gift to The Rose is part of EHF’s strategy to support comprehensive clinics.
“Low-income populations are less likely to have health insurance, leaving them at greater risk of poor health,” Marks says, adding, “True access to health services requires a system of affordable coverage. People who are insured have greater access to care and have better health outcomes, including lower mortality rates.”
Breast health services covered in this grant will be provided by The Rose’s two centers and their Mobile Mammography Program, which offers state-of-art 3D mammography imaging. There are also plans to add three more counties in the 2020 grant year, with a possible mental health support pilot with partners serving the Episcopal Dioceses of Texas.
To be eligible for sponsored services, individuals must reside in one of the 57 counties of the Episcopal Diocese of Texas and meet other requisites. To learn more about eligibility, call The Rose’s mobile team at 281.464.5136.
For more information on The Rose, please visit www.therose.org. To schedule interviews, please call Mageida Sopon at 832.310.5124 or email [email protected].
About The Rose
As a Breast Imaging Center of Excellence, The Rose is one of only 14 Breast Centers in the greater Houston area to receive this designation. Led by Fellowship trained physicians, The Rose’s advanced digital technology includes 3-D tomosynthesis mammography, diagnostic work-ups including biopsies and its nationally recognized Patient Navigation Program ensures access to treatment and a continuum of care for all women. Since 1986, The Rose has led strong advocacy efforts for quality breast healthcare, and has been on the forefront of innovation in breast healthcare. As a major specialty care provider within the Healthcare Safety Net system, The Rose is considered to be a leading nonprofit in breast healthcare. Annually, The Rose serves 40,000 insured and uninsured women and men. With two Houston-based comprehensive Breast Diagnostic Centers and a Mobile Mammography Health Program, The Rose provides services to women throughout 40 counties in Southeast Texas.
About the Episcopal Health Foundation
The Episcopal Health Foundation (EHF) believes all Texans deserve to be healthy. EHF is committed to transform the health of our communities by going beyond just the doctor’s office. By providing millions of dollars in grants, working with congregations and community partners, and providing important research, we’re supporting solutions that address the underlying causes of poor health. EHF was established in 2013 and is based in Houston. With more than $1.2 billion in estimated assets, the Foundation operates as a supporting organization of the Episcopal Diocese of Texas and works across 57 Texas counties. #HealthNotJustHealthcare
