Why Charleston, West Virginia?
Charleston toll booth workers wore
Community Challenge T-shirts
to work the day of the Challenge
- thanks, guys!
After launching on April 26 in Washington D.C., the Komen Community Challenge made its first local stop in Charleston, West Virginia. Charleston was selected as a Challenge city because McDowell County, just a few hours drive from the state capital, has an alarmingly high breast cancer mortality rate. In fact, according to the Komen Breast Cancer Mortality Rate Report: Closing the Gap in Eight Communities, the county has the seventh highest breast cancer mortality rate among counties in the nation.
Did You Know?
Residents of 14 West Virginia Counties have to drive over 55 miles for quality cancer care.
Did You Know?
45 of West Virginia's 55 counties have a shortage of primary health care providers.
The Public Policy Challenge
West Virginia breast cancer advocates challenged the legislature to fully fund the W.V. Cancer Plan so more women can receive mammograms. The advocates also called for a $1 million increase for the W.V. Rural Health Education Partnership as well as calling for the creation of a W.V. Cancer Transportation Fund, which would provide low-income women living in rural areas with few service providers access to breast cancer screenings and treatment.
The Event
The Komen West Virginia Affiliate hosted a community rally at the Appalachian Power Park featuring elected officials, state agency representatives and local breast cancer advocates, survivors, and their families. Activists called on leaders at every level of government to close the gaps in breast cancer mortality rates by addressing the tremendous barriers that prevent low-income and rural women from receiving care.
Outcome and Next Steps
West Virginia has been introduced to breast cancer activism! The W.V. Komen Community Challenge brought together advocates with those decision-makers who have the ability to affect change that will save lives. The Komen West Virginia Affiliate will continue working with other breast cancer advocates in the state to ensure it remains a priority for policymakers, health care providers and voters.
Thanks to everyone who joined us for an action-packed day of pink-ribbon activism and fun. Perhaps you saw our great coverage on ABC or CBS news, read about the event in The Gazette, or tuned in to hear about us on V-100 radio.
If you weren't able to "Close the Gap" with us in West Virginia, you can still make a difference! Tell your legislators to increase funding for programs that recruit breast cancer specialists to work in rural and underserved areas in West Virginia and increase funding for programs that provide life-saving early detection services to low-income and uninsured women.
