Georgia's Breast Cancer License Plate Fund Supports Unique Nonprofit

Due to the generosity of Georgia drivers who purchased breast cancer awareness license plates in the last year, the nonprofit TurningPoint Breast Cancer Rehabilitation has received $20,000 for its Georgia Outreach Initiative focused on providing rehabilitation, exercise and emotional support for breast cancer survivors in rural Georgia. Awarded just in time for National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the program will help reduce breast cancer disparities by increasing breast cancer rehabilitation service available to low-income, uninsured breast cancer survivors.

“With this grant, we are able to continue to provide critical breast cancer rehabilitation services through in-clinic and telehealth treatment to the under- and uninsured breast cancer survivors in rural counties outside of Metro Atlanta,” said Lois Rusco, Interim ExecutiveDirector at TurningPoint Breast Cancer Rehabilitation. “Breast cancer is one of the most preventable cancers. We have to do everything we can to ensure all of our residents have access to critical programs and screenings."

Twenty-two dollars ($22) of each “Fight Breast Cancer” license plate purchased or renewed funded $200,000 total in awards this year to seven health organizations throughout the state. The grants are administered by the Georgia Center for Oncology Research and Education (Georgia CORE) on behalf of the State Office of Rural Health in the Department of Community Health.

“While Georgia has increased our breast cancer screening rates, not all women – particularly the uninsured and underserved – receive appropriate screening or treatment,” says Katreena Davis, Senior Program Manager for Georgia CORE. “The work this grant supports plays a role in many women being able to identify breast cancer at an earlier stage, potentially making treatment more effective. Some of the grant recipients are providing treatment support for the complete spectrum of breast cancer care from prevention to early diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitative care.”Since its inception more than a decade ago, the breast cancer license plate program has helped hundreds of thousands of under-resourced women obtain screenings, education, and other prevention services. Nearly eight out of every 10 Georgians benefiting from services through the program are not white.

“We truly appreciate Georgia CORE and their continued support allowing us to be a trusted resource in our communities, and we hope that more Georgia drivers will purchase the specialty plates to provide even more resources for underserved women,” Rusco added.For information on Georgia CORE’s cancer awareness license plates and the programs they support, please visit GaCancerPlates.com.

More about Georgia CORE

For two decades, the Georgia Center for Oncology Research and Education has grown the number of cancer clinical trials, increased research, and promoted education and early detection to improve the cancer care offered in Georgia. Georgia CORE leverages partnerships and innovation to address disparities in cancer care in rural, urban, and suburban communities across the state. Learn more at GeorgiaCancerInfo.org.

More about TurningPoint Breast Cancer Rehabilitation

TurningPoint Breast Cancer Rehabilitation is a unique nonprofit organization that improves the quality of life for patients impacted by breast cancer by providing and advocating for specialized, evidence-based rehabilitation while reducing socioeconomic, racial, cultural, and geographic barriers. Survivorship services include physical therapy, massage therapy, emotional support, nutritional counseling, exercise classes, and education programs. Since 2003, TurningPoint has served more than 40,000 patient visits at its clinics in Sandy Springs and downtown Atlanta as well offering virtual options for treatment. Funding helps support financial assistance as no patient is ever turned away due to lack of adequate insurance or insufficient financial resources.