1. Abstract Narrative (Limit your response to 1500 characters)
Provide a brief description of the proposal including the following
 The purpose of the program.
Over the past several years of administering Komen-fund Breast Health & Screening Initiative,
NET Health has seen an increase in breast screenings among low-income. Yet, African
American women are still less likely to receive mammograms, despite the available
resources. This disparity has brought to light the need to address non-financial barriers to breast
cancer screening. The purpose of the program is increase the number of African American
women receiving screening mammograms in Northeast Texas by addressing non-financial
barriers through a comprehensive education and outreach campaign.
 A description of key activities.
Because communities have unique and deeply held beliefs regarding healthcare, it is important
that this project addresses the beliefs of African American women in Smith County. Therefore,
African American women who are over the age of 40 years old and have never had a
mammogram or have not had a mammogram in more than two years will be recruited for a focus
group regarding perceived barriers to breast cancer screenings. Data collected from the focus
group will be used to create material targeted to African American women that address perceived
barriers to mammograms, including a “Barriers to Mammograms” booklet and DVD that can be
given to women considering receiving a mammogram and lay health educators who encourage
women in their families, churches and communities to receive regular mammograms.
 A summary of evaluation methods.
The focus group data will be analyzed through content analysis by graduate students and faculty
from UT Tyler. The impact of the Barriers to Mammogram booklet and DVD will be measured
by the number mammograms of African American women that are paid for by Komen. The
following measurable objectives will be used to evaluate the program: number of screening
mammograms, total reimbursement for services other than screening mammograms, and
documentation of women who are unfunded because of grant limitations. We will also allow
women to provide feedback from the booklet and DVDs through a brief voluntary questionnaire.
 The expected or resulting change(s) your program will likely bring in your community
By addressing non-financial barriers to mammograms, we anticipate that there will be a
significant increase (at least 10%) in African American women receiving mammograms for the
first time in Smith County.

2. ProjectNarrative Thissectionisthe core piece of yourapplication. Detailedinformationisrequiredin
thissectiontoassure enoughinformationisincluded.Afterreadingthe projectnarrative anindividual
shouldfullyunderstandthe componentsof yourprogramand whatyour programintendstocomplete.
The narrative description below must contain the following information:
 A description of the program or activity
The mission of Northeast Texas Public Health District is to prevent illness, promote health,
and protect our community. To that end, the Northeast Texas Public Health District is
committed to increasing access to health care for residents of Northeast Texas, regardless of race,
ethnicity or income.
Access to and utilization of breast cancer screenings has been an area where NET Health has
strived to increase service for all women and reduce disparities for a number of years. Through
the "Breast Health & Screening Initiative", NET Health has worked closely with the local Susan
G. Komen Foundation, the American Cancer Foundation and the Department of State Health
Services to provide and promote breast cancer prevention services for all women in Northeast
Texas. Some of our efforts currently include administering the Breast and Cervical Cancer
Screening Program and the Komen Grant Program which help to pay for mammograms for
women who would not otherwise be able to afford them, partnering with the local Pin-A-Sister
program through the local Agri-Life Extension Agency, offering mammograms every other
month at the NET Health Center for Healthy Living, creating and hosting two Wise Women
trainings that trained African American women at a variety of local churches how to promote
breast cancer screenings and host mobile mammography units at their health fairs and churches
and participating in a variety of other local events to promote breast health in Northeast Texas.
The propose project will build on the current Komen grant program which provides access
to mammograms for all women to breast screening and diagnostic procedures, regardless of their
ability to pay. The current Komen grant project provides funding for women with an annual
income of 200% of the Federal Poverty Level and below to receive free mammograms if they are
uninsured or underinsured.
Because local and national data indicates that African American women are less likely to
receive mammograms (even when finances are not a deterrent) NET Health would like to use
Komen small grant funds to determine other barriers to breast cancer screening among African
American women through a targeted focus group of women over the age of 40 who have never
received a mammogram or who have not received a mammogram in over 2 years. Because these
our target audience has already demonstrated a hesitancy toward health seeking behaviors, we
anticipate that we may need to incentivize participation in the focus by providing a $50 gift card.
Knowledge gained from the focus group will be used to create targeted material to address some
of the barriers mentioned by the women in the group and others evidenced in the literature. We
anticipate using actual quotes from participants, community members and health care providers
to address perceived barriers and discuss potential solutions. We will measure the impact of the
material through the number of first time screening mammograms for African American women
over the age of 40 and the total reimbursement for these services paid for by Komen Grant funds.

3.  How this grant will further Komen’s mission
For over 30 years, Susan G. Komen for the Cure has been devoted to ending breast cancer
though prevention, research, advocacy and education. Through these efforts, Susan G. Komen
has changed the way Americans have thought about breast cancer, cancer and our ability to make
a difference. A hallmark of the Komen Foundation is their belief that every woman should have
access to quality cancer prevention and care services. NET Health shares this belief, and that is
why we strive to make sure Northeast Texas residents of all races, ethnicities and income levels.
This grant will help us to reduce perceived barriers to mammograms among African American
women, a group that is not currently receiving regular mammograms at a disproportionate rate in
our community.
 For conferences only- anticipated number of participants, description of target
participants, description of conference format including specific topics to be covered and
speakers, if known.
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