To ensure that our funds are making the greatest impact, the NC Triangle Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure works with local medical experts and community leaders to conduct a comprehensive community needs assessment every two years. This community profile becomes the basis for our community grant application and review process, consistent with Komen’s high standards and mission.

In addition to funding community grants that support education, screening and treatment programs, the Komen NC Triangle Affiliate funds special education activities based on areas of need identified in the community profile.

I WILL (Incarcerated Women Interested in Learning and Living)

There are more than 2,500 women housed in North Carolina prison facilities. Incarcerated women do not receive breast cancer screenings earlier than the age of 50 years, and more than 90% of inmates are younger than age 50. Volunteers from the NC Triangle Affiliate Education Committee of the Komen for the Cure developed a program to provide breast health education to women in prison.

Volunteer visits to Raleigh Correctional Institutions include instruction to both inmates and guards about breast health and self-breast exams. More than a year of training sessions, including pre-training and post-training evaluation, makes clear that incarcerated women, particularly those younger than 50 years old, can be well-educated and proactive.

The IWILL program participants host an annual walk IWILL Walk for the Cure on the prison grounds to raise awareness and funds in support of the Komen NC Triangle Affiliate. Inmates register to walk and collect pledges from family and friends. If you would like to make a donation in honor of the IWILL program, click here.

Edgecombe County Initiative

Edgecombe County, North Carolina has been identified as having one of the most serious breast cancer mortality rates in the country. Since release of the 2007 Susan G. Komen for the Cure Breast Cancer Mortality Study, health care providers, survivors, business and government leaders have formed a County-wide task force to develop a plan for changing these alarming statistics. As a result of the dedication of the newly formed Edgecombe County Breast Cancer Initiative Task Force, they were awarded a grant from Susan G. Komen for the Cure to help address these issues. The task force will also be receiving assistance from the Komen NC Triangle Affiliate.