Brookdale Hospital Receives Grant to Fund Breast Cancer Program

Brookdale University Hospital and Medical Center was awarded a two-year, $175,000 grant, from The Avon Foundation Breast Cancer Crusade, to develop a breast health program targeting African-American and Caribbean breast cancer patients. Following the October 7th New York Avon Walk for Breast Cancer, Dr. Sharon Koehler, Director of Brookdale’s Breast Health Services, was presented with a check.

“This is a huge event with thousands of participants and I am extraordinarily pleased that Brookdale was recognized and awarded,” said Dr. Koehler. “Avon has promised to help medically under-insured women and men receive the screening, support, and treatment they require.”

Under the direction of Dr. Koehler, Brookdale Hospital will launch the East New York Breast Cancer Navigation Program in January 2008. The program is aimed at removing difficulties often faced by African-American/Caribbean breast cancer patients—specifically medical, financial, and language barriers. The hiring of a Patient Navigator will address this issue by supporting patients from the beginning of their diagnosis to the treatment phase. Assistance will include translation services, links to primary and secondary providers, and educational seminars, to name a few.

“The navigator will also work closely with the American Cancer Society and the Breast Health Partnership to provide free preventive and screening services to uninsured members of our community,” Dr. Koehler added.