CHRISTUS St. Michael Health System

Grant Date: April 1, 2012

Grant Award Amount: $179,751.00

In keeping with the mission of CHRISTUS St. Michael Health System to extend the healing ministry of Jesus Christ, the CHRISTUS St. Michael Health System Breast and Cervical Care Outreach Program began in 2000 funded by a grant from Susan G. Komen for the Cure.  IN 2001, CHRISTUS St. Michael Health Care System became a subcontractor for Texas Breast and Cervical Care Services (TBCCS) through the Texas Department of Health in Tyler.  As of January 1, 2008 CHRISTUS St. Michael Heal Care System became the local contract provider for TBCCS.  The addition of the TBCCS to the Komen grant funding allowed expansion of the outreach program to include cervical cancer screening and diagnosis.  The Breast and Cervical Care Outreach Program provides breast and  cervical health education, screenings, diagnostic services and access to treatment for women who are non-insured or under insured for whom the cost of these services would be a financial hardship.  The program’s service area includes Texarkana and the surrounding counties serviced by CHRISTUS St. Michael Health System.  It has long been established that education and early detection are the most effective tools available in the fight against cancer.  By taking breast and cervical health education to the community, under-served women are provided a familiar and safe environment to learn about their risks for breast or cervical cancer, are taught self breast examination, and provided access to a free mammogram or pap smear.  The services provided by the program include case management to assist in scheduling appointment, follow-up with results, and assistance in accessing treatment when breast or cervical cancer is detected.  By reaching more women in the early stages of breast or cervical cancer we endeavor to improve their survival from these potentially deadly diseases.