DALLAS, TX -- February 1, 2012 -- We are dismayed and extremely disappointed that actions we have taken to strengthen our granting process have been widely mischaracterized. It is necessary to set the record straight.
Starting in 2010, Komen began an initiative to help us do a better job of measuring the impact of community grants. This is important because we invest significant dollars in our local community programs--$93 million in 2011, which provided for 700,000 breast health screenings and diagnostic procedures.
Following this review, we made the decision to implement stronger performance criteria for our grantees to minimize duplication and free up dollars for direct services to help vulnerable women. To support this new granting strategy, Komen has also implemented more stringent eligibility standards to safeguard donor dollars. Consequently, some organizations are no longer eligible to receive Komen grants.
Some might argue that our standards are too exacting, but over the past three decades people have given us more than just their money. They have given us their trust and we take that responsibility very seriously.
We regret that these new policies have impacted some longstanding grantees, such as Planned Parenthood, but want to be absolutely clear that our grant-making decisions are not about politics. Throughout our 30 year history, our priority has always been and will continue to be the women we serve. As we move forward, we are working to ensure that there is no interruption or gaps in services for the women who need our support most in the fight against breast cancer.The Susan G. Komen for the Cure Foundation announced they will no longer give money to Planned Parenthood, creating a battle between two organizations with missions to help women.
For the past five years, the Komen Foundation has given Planned Parenthood hundreds of thousands of dollars to fund breast exams.
Barbara Zdravecky, the President and CEO of Planned Parenthood of Southwest and Central Florida, said the funding cut is upsetting.
"In these tough economic times, more women than ever need access to essential health care services like these breast cancer screenings," said Zdravecky. "Unfortunately, it's the women -- our patients -- who will suffer the most for this, because of this decision."
Zdravecky said even more upsetting is the reason she believes the money is stopping.
"To cut us off, the organization that takes care of more women than anybody in America, is purely -- has to be politically motivated," she said. "You feel very saddened that they would take this course of action and bow to political pressure."
The foundation recently hired Karen Handel as their new Vice President. Handel has spoken out publicly against abortion and Planned Parenthood.
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