The phrases “community need” and “community challenge” are two you’ll hear often during gatherings of Yavapai Regional Medical Center Foundation (YRMC) trustees.
“Getting primary healthcare services to children throughout YRMC’s vast service area … supporting programs that reduce breast cancer … helping older adults pursue healthy lives … these are examples of needs and challenges that are priorities to the community and the YRMC Foundation,” said Linda Medina, RN, Chair of the YRMC Foundation.
How do YRMC Foundation trustees address these and other community needs and challenges? They listen and learn. They also get input from donors, area residents, community representatives and healthcare leaders. The trustees then collaborate on a vision for a solution and take action by supporting programs designed to address the community need.
Here’s a sampling of breast health services and programs, including YRMC’s Share the Care program, supported by donations to the YRMC Foundation and how those donations impact our community.
Community Challenge: At 118 per 100,000 population, Yavapai County’s incidence rate of breast cancer is higher than the Arizona state average.
YRMC Foundation Vision to Action to lmpact: The BreastCare Center at YRMC
Yavapai County’s mortality rate due to breast cancer has fallen significantly in recent years, from 24.5 per 100,000 population to 21 per 100,000 population. The YRMC BreastCare Center’s focus on prevention and early detection has no doubt played a part in this good news. The YRMC Foundation has supported the Center’s efforts to:
- Provide screening mammograms to women who are uninsured or who have high co-pays and deductibles.
- Increase awareness of good breast health practices and expand access to preventive screening through Share the Care, a community awareness program.
- Introduce state-of-the-art breast tomosynthesis, 3-dimensional imaging of the breast for greater detail and clarity.
For more information about the YRMC Foundation, contact us at (928) 771-5686 or visit our webpage. Learn how you can get involved in supporting women’s health in our community through Share the Care.