May 21, 2007
Breast Cancer Fundraiser Not Tied to DPHHS
The Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) said today that a telephone solicitation raising money for breast cancer detection and treatment is not tied to the Montana Breast and Cervical Health Program (MBCHP).
Karan Kunz, MBCHP program manager for DPHHS, said consumers have reported a telephone fundraising pitch that may lead Montanans to believe the funds raised will somehow expand or enhance the DPHHS program.
The Office of Consumer Protection in the Department of Justice has received inquires about the telephone solicitation from Butte and Helena residents, said state Assistant Attorney General Cort Jensen.
Jensen added that the pitch includes a follow-up letter confirming the consumer's pledge. The fundraiser also encloses a reply envelope that lists a Butte mailing address. The address belongs to a business that provides mailbox rental.
Kunz said she appreciates any help the program receives. "We would never discourage consumers from donating to legitimate charities that support cancer treatment, detection and prevention," Kunz said. “But, we’re concerned about our reputation because in this case we didn’t authorize the solicitation. We have to make sure it’s from a credible source.”
Although the program is federally funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), it does receive some financial support from several contracted community-based sites throughout the state and the Komen Race for the Cure.
However, strict federal guidelines limit how the MBCHP uses its funds. Through donations from outside sources, the program is able to offer some services not covered by the federal money, such as providing free mammograms to women ages 40-49 who don’t meet program requirements.
The mission of the Montana Breast and Cervical Health Program is to reduce breast and cervical cancer deaths among Montana women by providing ongoing quality screening services and education in a manner that is appropriate, accessible, cost effective and sensitive to women's needs.
The program provides mammograms, clinical breast exams, Pap tests and pelvic exams for the early detection of breast and cervical cancer. These services may be provided free to eligible women.
To find out how to help in your community call the program toll-free number at 1-800-803-9343 or visit www.cancer.mt.gov. For more information on the Montana Breast and Cervical Health Program call Kunz at 406-444-0063.
For consumers who are suspicious about a fundraising pitch, Jensen offers these tips:
- Contact an established, reputable charity and make a donation, rather than responding to a solicitation.
- Be wary of fundraising appeals that may try to play on emotions related to illness or a lack of medical care for needy women.
- Ask for the name and mailing address of the charity if the telemarketer or solicitor does not provide it promptly.
- Ask what percentage of the donation is used to support the causes described in the solicitation and what percentage is used for administrative costs. It is also a good idea to ask if the solicitor is a paid fundraiser or a volunteer.
- Call the charity to find out if it is aware of the solicitation and has authorized the use of its name. Remember, anyone with a phone can pretend to be charity or describe his organization as “nonprofit.”
- Don't provide any credit card or bank account information over the phone. Ask the solicitor to send you more information.
