October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, but November 1st, 2013 is an important day for the Susan G. Komen Foundation of the Quad CIties.
Beginning November 1st, Komen Quad Cities will accept applications for grants concerning breast cancer and breast health programs from non-profit organizations, governmental agencies, and educational institutions, according to a press release.
Komen Quad Cities has granted more than $5.5 million since its inception. However, this year, things are a little different.
Under the Affordable Care Act, mammograms will now be covered for woman who have insurance. Komen Quad Cities' Grant Program Chair, Linda Wastyn, PhD., says that could have an impact on how many applications they receive.
"We assume what will happen is that more women will start getting insurance through the exchanges and so the need for the vouchers should decrease," Wastyn said.
So this year, Wastyn says Komen Quad Cities is asking those who apply for grants to explain in their application how the Affordable Care Act is expected to impact them.
"My guess is even five years from now, we'll still be funding vouchers, but hopefully at a much lower rate because the need is less."
Still, there are needs elsewhere. Wastyn says the money that isn't used for grants could go to education, survivor support, and advocacy.
"It's not all about getting a free mammogram," Nancy Blow, a 17-Year Breast Cancer Survivor and the Race for the Cure's 2014 Honorary Survivor Chair for 2014. "It's about awareness and education programs and things that we can do for the younger generation."
To see more of Nancy's story of survival and why she says early detection is key, click on the video link above.
There are a few other changes to Komen Quad Cities' grant program this year. To find out more, click here. If you are interested in a grant and have questions, the organization is holding two informational sessions:
November 7th at Trinity Muscatine, 3-4pm
November 12th at Genesis Illini, 9-10am