Southeast Georgia Rural Community Network Receives $25,000 Grant

Courtesy of Dr. Susan McLendon

The Southeast Georgia Rural Community Network is 1 of 39 state breast cancer programs to receive $25,000 to fund screening and diagnostic mammogram services in the Toombs and surrounding communities through a grant from It’s The Journey, Inc., which is the producer of the Georgia 2-Day Walk for Breast Cancer.

Network Executive Director Dr. Susan McLendon commented, “Our network has received grant funding from It’s the Journey for several years. These funds, as well as partnerships with five hospital systems in the region, have helped both men and women receive screening and diagnostic mammogram services in a 16-county area of Southeast Georgia. Participants are eligible for services if uninsured and meet financial screening requirements.

It’s The Journey, Inc., Executive Director Stephani Tucker said, “It’s The Journey is proud to partner with these incredible programs. By supporting these grantees, we aim to increase access to care and reduce disparities in cancer outcomes here in Georgia.” About Southeast Georgia Rural Community Network The network was formed in 2014 to serve uninsured and underinsured individuals in Montgomery, Toombs, and Treutlen Counties, along with surrounding areas, with quality healthcare, education and activities on healthy choices, and various resources for healthy lifestyles. The network is sustained through in-kind donations from network member support.

Currently, the organization is taking mammogram applications for uninsured men and women. For more information on this opportunity, the network, or to learn of about eligibility, contact McLendon at 912-386-1028. About It’s The Journey

It’s The Journey, Inc., produces the Georgia 2-Day Walk for Breast Cancer, an annual endurance walk that raises funds for Georgia's breast health and breast cancer programs. Since 2002, It’s The Journey has raised $18.2 million and funded 509 breast cancer and breast health programs in the state. For a complete listing of the 2023 grant recipients, visit https:// itsthejourney.org/ whereyour- money- goes/.

The 2023 Georgia 2-Day Walk for Breast Cancer takes place October 7-8. All of the money raised here stays here in Georgia. To register for the 2-Day Walk, visit https:// itsthejourney.org/.

MINNIE PEARL VISITS DODGE COUNTY — Vidalia’s own Minnie Pearl (Mary Alice Wilder) performed at the Dodge County Senior Citizens Center in Eastman on Wednesday, March 22. L to R: Kim Parkerson, Elouise Purvis, Syble Pruett, Deborah McCraine, Mary Alice Wilder, and Jackie Yawn.