Why Little Rock, Arkansas?
In 2007, more than 1,800 women in Arkansas would be diagnosed with breast cancer and more than 400 women would die from the disease. Gaps in access to quality care, public policy, and research contribute to breast cancer deaths in Arkansas and cause some women to die of the disease more than others. The Komen Community Challenge made its seventh stop in Little Rock on August 23, 2007, to press for improved public policies to help Close the Gaps.
Did You Know?
Caucasian women are diagnosed more often with breast cancer, but African American women have a 66 percent higher death rate from the disease in Arkansas.
Did You Know?
One out of three or 25 counties in Arkansas lack fixed mammography facilities, creating a potential barrier for many women to access mammography easily. What's more, 12 of these 25 counties are not visited by a mobile mammography unit.
Public Policy Challenge
,p>Arkansas has done an outstanding job of educating women about the importance of annual mammograms after age 40. As a result, more women are looking for regular screenings. Demand for ARBreastCare (Arkansas' program that provides screenings and early detection services to low-income and uninsured and underinsured women) is at an all-time high. Due to funding constraints, however, BreastCare provides services to only one in four eligible women. Without additional and secure funding for BreastCare, tens of thousands of Arkansas women will fall through the gaps.
The Event
The Arkansas and Ozark Affiliates of Susan G. Komen for the Cure hosted a "Close the Gap" reception at the Governor's Mansion on August 23, 2007. Two hundred people attended including First Lady Ginger Beebe, State Representatives Kathy Webb, Janet Johnson, Joan Cash, Johnny Roebuck, State Senator Shawn Broadway, Judge Joyce Warren, Judge Alice Gray, Judge Vann Smith, and Judge Alice Lightle. Former Representative Joyce Elliot, the newly appointed public policy chair for the Komen Arkansas Affiliate, served as emcee. Two survivors shared their stories: both were diagnosed with breast cancer when working in jobs without health insurance and their lives were saved by treatment through BreastCare. Leila Alston, a member of the Breast Cancer Control Advisory Board and a founding board member of the Komen Arkansas Affiliate, told the audience about the successes of the BreastCare program and urged policymakers to make increased funding a priority. Local media covered the event and The Arkansas Democrat Gazette ran an opinion editorial by Shelia Vaught, president of the Komen Arkansas Affiliate.
Outcomes and Next Steps
Komen's Arkansas Affiliates have a long history of public policy advocacy and the Community Challenge helped position them for further success. Although the State Legislature does not meet again until 2009, the Affiliates are continuing to work with public health coalitions, build relationships with key legislators, and make the case for increased funding for BreastCare. In addition, Komen is working with Governor Beebe's "healthcare round table," seizing this opportunity to discuss the barriers that women face in accessing early detection services throughout the state, especially in the counties without mammography. Help end breast cancer forever by joining with the Arkansas Affiliate or Ozark Affiliate of Komen for the Cure.
