Southeast Regional Health Screening Program Receives Grant

The Southeast Regional Health Screening Program (SRHSP) has received a grant to help fund a mobile medical vehicle used for various screenings.

The $40,000 grant, awarded by the Avon Foundation Breast Health Outreach Program, allows the SRHSP, offered through the Southeast Cancer Care Network and the SAMC Foundation, to fund the staff and operate the program’s 40-foot mobile vehicle that is equipped with a mammography suite, lab and education area.

The SAMC Foundation has been a significant funding partner for the Screening Program since its establishment in 2007, having donated more than $56,000 during 2010.

“We are definitely excited and thankful to both Avon and the SAMC Foundation for their contributions,” said Debra Stringer, program coordinator for the screening program. “These grants will help fund the operation of our program in 2011. If a patient can’t make it to SAMC for their annual mammogram, we can bring the mammogram to them.” 

Local radiation oncologist Dr. Steve Stokes of the Southeast Cancer Care Network uncovered the need for the screening program in 2006. Stokes invited a multitude of health agencies, Governor Bob Riley and former U.S. Representative Terry Everett to develop and fund the program.

The health screening program launched in September of 2007. At that time the mobile mammography unit served only the Wiregrass, comprised of seven Southeast Alabama counties. Now it frequently travels as far north as Pike County and throughout rural counties in northwest Florida and southwest Georgia to provide services beyond Alabama.

“Health screenings are a vital step in the prevention of cancer. This generous funding from the AVON foundation benefits the citizens in the region by providing screenings to those who may not otherwise have the ability to be tested,” says Scott Griffin, director of the Southeast Cancer Center.

The Foundation hopes to match the Avon Foundation grant for 2011 through donations raised during the annual Champions of Hope 5K run/walk for breast cancer.

“We thank our many partners for their continued support of the regional screening program so we can continue to offer convenient health services to those who would otherwise likely go untreated,” says Dr. Stokes “It has been a great partnership that we hope will continue to grow and promote good health.”

The Southeast Regional Health Screening Program services all 38 SARCOA senior citizen centers, as well as local community centers, schools, health fairs and churches. For more information or to learn when the medical unit will be in your area, call Stringer at (334) 793-8080.