Breast Health Initiative

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.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

👚 Join us to fight breast cancer in Bastrop County, increase the number of women who get mammograms, and save lives.

Resources

Road To Recovery
Angel Flight South Central
Breast Health Initiative History
Dollar For – You may not have to pay that hospital bill.
Big Pink Bus (Lone Star Circle of Care) – 844-746-5287
Breast Cancer Resource Center (BCRC) 512-524-2560
Community Action, 512-392-1161, ext. 322
Addressing Cancer Together (ACT)
Indigent HealthCare (Bastrop), 512-581-7170
Community Health Centers of South Central Texas, 512-229-3334
Smithville Community Clinic, 512-575-3021
Libraries for Health, 512-273-3282, ext. 6 (Smithville), 512-281-5678 (Elgin) 512-332-8880 (Bastrop)
FORCE (Facing Our Risk of Cancer Empowered) FORCE Newsletter

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

Partner Career Opportunity
Health Educator, Department of Population Health, Dell Medical School

Breast Health Awareness Classes

Have a Breast Health Community Health Worker provide a class to talk about diet, screenings, and resources available. Schedule a class in your community group or organization.

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!

This project is supported, in whole or in part by a federal award by the U.S. Department of Treasury through the county of Bastrop.