THE NEED:
More than 25% of women in New Mexico and more than 38% of Hispanic women have no health insurance at all. Preventive health care is considered a luxury for many women, especially in today’s economy, though many know that mammograms save lives. Breast cancer has a 98% survival rate if found in time, but early detection is essential. In New Mexico, the sad fact is that more Hispanic women die from breast cancer than in any other state. These women not only lack the means to get mammograms, but they often feel confused and alienated by an overburdened health care system. That’s one of the reasons that we offer Spanish-speaking outreach in combination with English.
OUR GOAL:
For over 16 years, the YWCA has provided women in New Mexico with direct financial assistance for mammograms. Our outreach staff members reach out to the most vulnerable women in our community with culturally appropriate health education and encouragement to take care of themselves.
The program pays for mammograms for women whose doctors have recommended screening, but have fallen through the cracks – they are either uninsured, underinsured or simply too young. The ENCOREplus program reaches out to women ages 40-70, who are at high risk for breast cancer, to provide yearly mammograms as well as health education and resources. But, the program also provides doctor-recommended mammograms for women under 40, who are unable to get financial assistance from other assistance programs. Breast cancer is becoming more common in women under 40, and is frequently more aggressive in younger women. For many of these women, the YWCA is their only option for screening.
For women who are determined to actually have breast cancer, the program provides patient navigation for treatment, follow-up care, and counseling. We just don’t let our relationship with the woman end at the “voucher” stage. This is also showcased in that women enrolled in the program receive regular, personal reminders to get yearly mammograms long after their first encounter with us.
HOW YOU CAN HELP:
Because large populations of underserved women and girls in New Mexico continue to experience serious, unmet health-related needs, demand for the YWCA’s services increases every year. YOU CAN HELP BY MAKING A CONTRIBUTION TODAY!
ENCOREplus touches the lives of tens of thousands of women each year. Program staff receive calls and letters of thanks nearly every day for these services. One woman writes “I had been concerned about my (breast health) situation for weeks…being unemployed only added to my stress level. The ENCOREplus program really helped me out during a challenging time. I want to thank you and the YWCA staff for coordinating this worthwhile program.”
ENCOREplus is sponsored in part by these key partners:
