May 10, 2012 – Monroe, Mich. The Northwest Ohio Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure awarded more than $630,000 to 18 non-profit organizations during the Annual Power of the Promise Grants Reception Tuesday, April 17, at the McMaster Center at the Toledo-Lucas County Public Library.

“We are proud to be distributing a record $630,000 in grant funds this year,” explained Komen Northwest Ohio Board of Directors President Mary Chris Skeldon, “And we are even more energized when we consider the impact that these grantees will have in delivering life-saving breast health services to the uninsured and underinsured in our area. In total this year’s grant funds will support the delivery of 2,530 mammograms, 1,033 breast cancer treatment and support services, 1,025 breast health and educational services, 196 diagnostic procedures such as ultrasounds and biopsies and 75 clinical breast exams. In addition, the Northwest Ohio Affiliate distributes another $200,000 in small grants and mission education outreach as well as $278,000 to research to find the cures.”

Mercy Memorial Hospital System was one of 18 grantees for the 2012-2013 to receive funding.

Mercy Memorial Hospital received $19,454 for the “Put Yourself First Today” project which provides screening mammograms and diagnostic services to uninsured and underinsured men and women in Monroe County.

“In today’s challenging economy and financial state, the ability to offer free screening and diagnostic mammography services through this grant encourages women to take care of their health proactively and save lives in the process,” said Gail Gedelian, Lead Technologist Mammography, Mercy Memorial Hospital System.

Mercy Memorial Hospital System holds two Spa Saturdays a year which the Komen grant provides for. Qualifying clients must be female, 40 years or over, Monroe County residents, uninsured or underinsured with a demonstrated financial need. Women who are younger than 40 years may qualify if they have a physician order indicating the medical necessity for the mammogram screening.

In addition qualifying women can receive a screening mammogram year round with a doctor’s prescription. For more information or to schedule an appointment call (734) 240-4188.

Mercy Memorial Hospital System is an integrated health care provider that offers a broad range of inpatient and outpatient services. Our network of care begins at Mercy Memorial Hospital and extends to Macomb Pharmacy, the Hospice of Monroe, HomeCare Connection, Home Respiratory Care, the Nursing Center, outpatient rehabilitation, outreach labs and a collection of primary and specialty physician offices.

Quality and patient safety are hallmarks of Mercy Memorial Hospital System’s mission. A national leader in the treatment of heart attack, congestive heart failure, pneumonia and surgical care, Mercy Memorial is also a pacesetter in Michigan for obstetrics, emergency care, intensive care, controlling infections and organ donation.