Uninsured women are six times more likely to be diagnosed with late-stage breast cancer than insured women. In Central Texas, Black women have twice the mortality rate of white women with similar diagnoses, according to the United Way. Early detection can save lives, and we believe every woman deserves to have access to affordable screenings. Bastrop County’s Breast Health Initiative is on a mission to make sure all women in Bastrop County get screened.
For women over 40, an annual mammogram is recommended. For women under 40, it’s important to know your family history and see your doctor if you feel a lump or abnormality. And if you’re uninsured or underinsured, you may be eligible to access free mammograms and other resources. If you or someone you know needs help navigating the screening process or the post-diagnosis process, call Lydia Perez at 512-392-1161 ext. 322.
Take care of your health and make a Pinky Promise to get screened for breast cancer. Together, we can make a difference in the fight against this disease.
When should breast cancer screenings start? Black women aren’t given a good answer. Read the article here.
Interested in participating in a cancer education program to improve cancer outcomes in our community? Learn about different types of cancer and how to detect it early with The University of Texas at Austin Dell Medical School free cancer education sessions!
Financial Assistance Available – Established in 2006, Sisters Network® Inc. Breast Cancer Assistance Program (BCAP) is a national financial assistance program that provides financial assistance to breast cancer survivors in active treatment. The program also has an early detection component providing mammograms for underserved and uninsured women. In 2022, the Breast Cancer Assistance Program was renamed Karen E. Jackson Breast Cancer Assistance Program in recognition and honor of the Founder’s legacy in the fight against breast cancer. Learn more.
Community Partners
AAAHCT – Alliance for African American Health In Central Texas Smithville Free Clinic CHCSCT- Community Health Centers of South Central Texas, Inc Smithville Whole Health Project Bastrop Parks and Recreation Bastrop Area PickleBall Association Lone Star Circle of Care Addressing Cancer Together Community Actions BRBC- Breast Cancer Resource Center Smithville Library Astro Records St. David’s Foundation and so many more
Thank you to our 2023 Project Funders: Elgin H-E-B Storehouse Market & Eatery Bastrop Lost Pines Toyota Dealership Bastrop Association of Sheriff’s Employees (BASE) Parobek Plumbing & Air Conditioning Local ISD Pink Out events
Mission
To provide a community-based breast health project that target uninsured and underinsured women of color, as well as women at high risk of cancer with no-cost mammography. To identify, screen, diagnose, and treat women between the ages of 50 and 75 using blended funding and a wide range of resources.
Vision
To increase the number of women being screened each year by 15%. Expand the community’s outreach and knowledge of the importance of early screenings by building community will in order to make a difference.
Goal 1- To conduct education and awareness events related to cancer with a focus on Breast Cancer that encompasses informing all people, faith-based coalitions, and community organizations while targeting communities of color. Goal 2- Provide communities with tangible information and resources that directs one to programs providing support that include medical care to financial needs. Goal 3- Conduct or support local outreach events and efforts by all. These efforts are widespread in Bastrop County and include businesses, community nonprofits, government agencies (City and County Proclamations), Foundations (Funding Support), volunteer organizations and other identified stakeholders.
2021 Impact
We are excited to share the impact of Breast Cancer Awareness Month in Bastrop County. Screening events and donations took place from October to December. Here is a recap of the amazing efforts to raise awareness, raise funds, and get women screened: 🌸 Return of the Big Pink Bus to Elgin and Bastrop 💝 Funds donated to Breast Cancer Awareness – $8,475 Special thanks to the Bastrop Association of Sheriffs Employees, Lost Pines Toyota, and Parobek Plumbing. 🌺 Awareness events like Pink Out sporting events, Pink waves, and more 🎀 More than 550 women screened at special events and screening centers in Bastrop County 🌸 Proclamations by Connie Schroeder, Bastrop Mayor Joanna Morgan, Smithville Mayor Ron Ramirez, Elgin Mayor Clara Beckett, Bastrop County Commissioner, Precinct 2
👚 Thank you to everyone who participated in these efforts!
2022 Impact
We are excited to share the impact of Breast Cancer Awareness Month in Bastrop County. Screening events and donations took place from October to December. Here is a recap of the amazing efforts to raise awareness, raise funds, and get women screened: 🌸 Return of the Big Pink Bus to Elgin and Bastrop 💝 Funds donated to Breast Cancer Awareness – $13,500 Special thanks to the Bastrop Association of Sheriffs Employees, Lost Pines Toyota, and Parobek Plumbing. 🌺 Awareness events like Pink Out sporting events, Pink waves, and more 🎀 More than 550 women screened at special events and screening centers in Bastrop County 📖 Special events and book signings with Author Judith Warren 🌸 Proclamations by Connie Schroeder, Bastrop Mayor Joanna Morgan, Smithville Mayor Theresa McShan, Elgin Mayor Clara Beckett, Bastrop County Commissioner, Precinct 2
👚 Thank you to everyone who participated in these efforts!
