TN Department of Health

Grant Date: April 1, 2012

Grant Award Amount: $22,500

Website: http://health.state.tn.us/bcc/index.htm

Phone: 615-532-8494

The BeST (Breast Screening and Treatment) for Tennessee Women Project targets the counties identified in the community profile as having high percent of uninsured and/or underinsured women.  Clinical breast exams are completed at the county health office and women are referred to providers for mammograms and other diagnostics.  The goal of the project is to reach and serve at least 140 women in Komen affiliate counties; some funds will be used to cover needed diagnostic procedures based on screening results. Women diagnosed with breast cancer are enrolled in TennCare for treatment.     

Review and analysis of program services is an on-going process of the Central Office administration. Monthly data reports allow review of demographic information and services provided in each county.  Error reports identifying cases with missing results are sent to regional coordinators each month for completion and to assure that we meet the timeliness of service requirement.  Using these reports, we can track the number served by county, age and race/ethnicity of those served, specific screening and diagnostic procedures received and number diagnosed with breast cancer.  Semi-annual reports based on quality measures set by CDC are sent to the leadership and regional coordinators; Tennessee has consistently met or exceeded these CDC benchmarks for quality of services to women. The impact of the program is reduced death from breast cancer through early screening, diagnosis and treatment.