Hunterdon Health Foundation Receives Grant from Connie Dwyer Breast Cancer Foundation to Expand Breast Health Access for Underserved Women
Hunterdon Health Foundation is pleased to announce it has been awarded its first-ever $5,000 grant from the Connie Dwyer Breast Cancer Foundation (CDBCF). The funding will support the expansion of a targeted outreach and navigation program dedicated to serving underprivileged and vulnerable women in Hunterdon County and the surrounding region.
The initiative addresses significant healthcare disparities by specifically targeting low-income, uninsured, and Hispanic/Latino populations who face barriers such as language and transportation. With a high incidence of early-stage breast cancer in Hunterdon County—162 per 100,000, which exceeds both state and national averages—the program aims to improve early detection through proactive community engagement.
The grant will help fund the efforts of a Community Health Worker (CHW) to increase the program’s capacity for outreach, education, and personalized patient navigation. These workers identify patients overdue for screenings via Electronic Health Records and provide bilingual assistance to ensure appointments are kept and follow-up care is received.
“We are incredibly grateful to the Connie Dwyer Breast Cancer Foundation for their support and partnership,” said Kim Blanda, RN, Director of Community Relations at Hunterdon Health. “This grant allows us to deepen our commitment to the women in our community who face the greatest obstacles to care. By providing the necessary resources and navigation, we can ensure that every woman, regardless of her financial or social situation, has access to the life-saving breast-health services she deserves.”
The program is expected to serve 1,500 individuals over the next year. By focusing on workshops, health fairs, and access to breast screenings, Hunterdon Health continues its mission to meet the community's need for high-quality, accessible healthcare.
Pictured: Connie Dwyer (center) and friends.
About the Foundation: Hunterdon Health Foundation is the fundraising organization for Hunterdon Health System. It receives support from individuals, corporations, foundations, and other sources to assist Hunterdon Medical Center and its affiliated non-profit organizations in fulfilling their mission to meet the community’s need for high-quality healthcare.
About Connie Dwyer Breast Cancer Foundation: The Connie Dwyer Breast Cancer Foundation serves underprivileged and vulnerable women by ensuring the availability of top-quality breast-health services. Through sponsored facilities and a grants program, they provide financial support for programs that offer resources, education, advocacy, and empowerment. https://cdbcf.org/