Our local Affiliate has received many inquiries regarding Susan G. Komen for the Cure’s national decision to change its granting guidelines and performance criteria. Specifically, the effect these changes will have on Planned Parenthood and other Komen grantees. Komen Oregon is opposed to the new national Komen community grant eligibility policy. Not only will this decision affect Planned Parenthood, but also any other organization under investigation. The implications will be far reaching, having an adverse effect on numerous grantees. Ultimately it will compromise our ability to provide life-saving access to breast cancer screening and treatment for the most vulnerable women.
- We, the Affiliate Board of Directors, have officially submitted a letter to Komen Headquarters asking that they reconsider this policy.
- We believe the Komen community grant eligibility policy should be based on proven wrongdoing. It is common for hospitals, universities and medical care providers to be under investigation. In its current form, the Komen community grant eligibility policy would disqualify numerous Komen Affiliate Grantees for funding. This policy compromises Affiliates' ability to provide life-saving access to breast cancer screening and treatment for women greatest in need.
- In some service areas across the nation, Planned Parenthood receives funds from Komen to provide breast cancer screenings. But, here in Oregon, this is not the case. In Oregon, we will not see a change in regards to Planned Parenthood. We have been able to help thousands of local uninsured and underinsured women by funding access to breast cancer screening and treatment in partnership with the state of Oregon. In Oregon, Planned Parenthood has not applied for any Komen funds.
- Locally incorporated, the Oregon and SW Washington Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure raises funds through events like the Portland and Eugene Race for the Cure. Seventy-five percent of the money raised by the local Affiliate stays in our Oregon and SW Washington service area to fund life-saving programs that create access to breast cancer screening and treatment. The remaining twenty-five percent funds research on a national level.
- Regrettably, if donations are directed away from the local Affiliate, women right here in our Oregon and SW Washington community will see their access to life-saving, breast-health programs diminish.
- What we have experienced and witnessed over the last two days is an extraordinary level of passion for these important issues to women. Our commitment to our mission is unwavering. Please feel free to continue to provide your feedback on a local level to info@komenoregon.org.
Sincerely,
Komen Oregon & SW Washington Affiliate Board of Directors
