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December 9, 2005

Safeway to Present Money for Breast Cancer Prevention

 

A representative of Montana's 11 Safeway stores will present checks totaling more than $39,000 to local breast and cervical health programs at a ceremony Wednesday, Dec. 14, at noon at the Helena Safeway, 611 North Montana Avenue.

Representatives of the Montana Breast and Cervical Health Program, which is administered by the Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS), will be on hand to accept the donations.

Each year, Safeway stores solicit donations from their customers during Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October. This year's contributions will be used to provide breast cancer screening for low-income Montana women.

"Safeway has long held the position that it is our civic duty to take a proactive role in the fight against breast cancer," said Cherie Myers, director of Public and Government Affairs for the company. "Our customers and employers of the Treasure State have proven again that it is their generosity and passion toward this cause that is the greatest treasure of all."

The contributions will go to breast and cervical health programs in the following communities where Safeway stores are located:

  • Bozeman, $3,084
  • Butte, $12,131
  • Dillon, $5,553
  • Helena, $5,781
  • Kalispell, $5,973
  • Missoula, $6,569

"We're so pleased and grateful that Safeway recognizes the importance of breast cancer screening," said Julie Frickel, manager of the state Breast and Cervical Health Program of DPHHS. "The funds collected at Safeway stores are from local people and will directly benefit women in their hometowns."

The Montana Breast and Cervical Health Program provides free breast and cervical cancer screening services statewide to low-income uninsured or underinsured women between the ages of 50 and 64. Last year, the program served about 3,500 women.

Frickel said the contributions from Safeway will be used to help women who may just miss being eligible for the program but who need screening services.

Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in Montana women, with an estiimated 600 new cases a year, Frickel said. Early detection through screening is key to combating the disease.

For more information about the Breast and Cervical Health Program, call its toll-free hotline at 877-764-7575.

Page last updated: 06/15/2006