Northwest Wyoming Family Planning has been awarded a Wyoming Breast Cancer Initiative (WBCI) Community Grant to provide vital services in the Big Horn Basin.

The grant will provide education on the importance of early detection, assisting those in need with funds for screening and diagnostic testing and navigation services for those needing testing or treatment for breast cancer.

“We are extremely grateful for receiving the WBCI grant,” according to Michelle Gutierrez, executive director. “With this grant, we will be able to provide much needed breast health services to the Big Horn Basin.”

Northwest Wyoming Family Planning has been increasing education and awareness on breast health as well as providing early detection screenings and navigation services since 1993.

Breast cancer is one of the few cancers where early detection can be the difference between life and death, yet Wyoming ranks among the worst in the nation for breast cancer screenings. Every single day, a Wyoming resident is diagnosed with breast cancer, according to the Department of Health. Enter the Wyoming Breast Cancer Initiative.

Started in 2016, WBCI is one of the only nonprofits in Wyoming solely dedicated to increasing early detection, decreasing late-stage diagnosis, and supporting breast cancer survivors. WBCI raises and then disperses grants to local Wyoming programs that provide services in one of four priority areas: education and awareness; screening and early detection testing; patient navigation; and providing support to breast cancer patients and survivors.

Since the nonprofit was founded, it’s awarded more than $500,000 to Wyoming projects.

“It’s truly incredible when you stop to think about it. Our funds don’t come from big foundations or businesses, they really come from local Wyoming residents, many who have felt the devastation of breast cancer personally,” said WBCI Board President Cara Nett. “Nothing makes us more proud than knowing we are being good stewards of our donors’ hard earned money.”

To learn more about breast health services, contact Northwest Wyoming Family Planning at 307-527-5174. To learn more about the Wyoming Breast Cancer Initiative, visit www.wyomingbreastcancer.org.