Susan G. Komen and Mexican Embassy: National Partnership with Local Impact

Guest post from Catherine Oliveros, MPH, DrPH, Susan G. Komen for the Cure Regional Director, International

We were very pleased on Thursday to announce a major partnership with the Consulate General of Mexico aimed at Mexican women in the United States.  This exciting new partnership focuses on building the organizational capacity of local Mexican Consulate’s Ventanillas de Salud (Windows of Health) programs to address breast cancer needs in the community.

Why is this model important for Komen?  Simply put, because the need is urgent.  Although Latinas are less likely to be diagnosed with breast cancer; they tend to be diagnosed at later stages of breast cancer – attributable in part to potential barriers to care and a lack of awareness about the disease.

This one year pilot will set the stage for a national initiative promoting breast health awareness and action among Mexican women in the US.  We’re working to actively address the barriers to care unique to Hispanic and Latina populations, while building programs in collaboration with Mexican Consulate offices and Komen Affiliates.

The 2012-2013 grantees for $50,000 include:

• Little Rock – University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences Fay W. Boozman College of Public Health
• San Antonio – YWCA of San Antonio
• San Diego – Project Concern International
• Dallas – DFW Area Health Education Center

The impact these projects can have in terms of raising awareness and providing support to Latina women is tremendous.  Komen is proud to be partnering with the Mexican Embassy on this initiative and we look forward to successful outcomes that will set the stage for national implementation and the integration into other Embassies throughout the US.