Two-Year Grant Funds Financial Assistance for Patients in California, Oregon and Washington
PORTLAND – Susan G. Komen®, the world’s leading breast cancer organization, is continuing its partnership with Columbia Bank to support people who are under-insured, uninsured and underserved in California, Oregon and Washington. Over the next two years, Columbia’s $120,000 grant will allow Komen to offer financial support to qualifying patients who cannot afford their living expenses while in treatment.
In the previous fiscal year, Komen served more than 2,300 people from these communities. Partners, including Columbia Bank, made it possible for Komen to provide $602,800 to patients in this area.
“Komen receives applications from patients nearly every day who are facing challenging financial circumstances and just don’t have the means to pay for breast cancer treatment on top of the basic costs of living,” said Sonja Hughes, MD, and vice president of community health at Susan G. Komen. “Komen’s ability to help patients in need is made possible by the generous contribution from Columbia Bank and we appreciate the continued commitment to Komen’s health equity work over the next two years.”
Komen provides services and support at no cost to patients and their families as they navigate breast health issues and cancer treatment. Through the Susan G. Komen Patient Care Center, callers are connected to professional patient navigators who offer emotional support and guide patients through their entire continuum of care, and to the Financial Assistance Program, which provides qualifying individuals with $400 to cover expenses during treatment.
“At Columbia Bank, we know that financial challenges can impact access to timely and critical medical care, which is why we’re proud to support Komen’s work to advance health equity and help save lives from breast cancer,” said Andrew Tweedie, Columbia Bank’s community impact director. “A breast cancer diagnosis can create significant financial strain, and for many patients those burdens can become barriers to starting or completing treatment. Through this partnership, we’re helping reduce those barriers so more people can focus on their care and recovery, not the financial challenges that too often accompany a serious illness.”
