FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
Contact: Jessica Robinson, 573-751-0290

First Lady Melanie Blunt Presents Women's Council Check for Breast Cancer Screening Services

JEFFERSON CITY- First Lady Melanie Blunt participated in a ceremony to present a $23,000 check to the Show-Me Healthy Women program. The funding is part of the Missouri Women's Council's effort to provide funds for early breast cancer detection services for uninsured or underinsured women by capitalizing on the proceeds from the state's pink breast cancer awareness license plates.

"I am honored to present this check to the Show-Me Healthy Women which will help provide more Missouri women with breast cancer screenings," Mrs. Blunt said. "Like many Missouri families, my family has been touched by breast cancer and this funding will help Missouri's state agencies continue to deliver these lifesaving screenings."

Show-Me Healthy Women collaborates with the Missouri Department of Health's Family Support Division to provide free breast and cervical screening services to eligible low income, underinsured or uninsured women aged 35-64. The $23,000 will be used to provide mammograms for Missouri women between the ages of 40-49.

Promoting breast cancer awareness is an important aspect of the first lady's women's wellness initiative. Mrs. Blunt serves as spokesperson and honorary chair for the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Mid-Missouri Affiliate and is committed to encouraging Missouri women to take time for breast cancer screenings and to promoting breast cancer research and awareness. This year Mrs. Blunt led teams in the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure in both St. Louis and Kansas City.

Gov. Matt Blunt has also been a champion for women's health. Last year, he secured a $500,000 increase in the current state budget to expand the number of breast and cervical cancer screenings through the Show-Me Healthy Women Program. The increase more than tripled state funding for the program and allowed the program to serve more than 1,000 additional women. The governor has also recommended another significant funding increase for next fiscal year.

The Missouri Women's Council works closely with other agencies and community based organizations to promote the well being of women in Missouri. Missourians who wish to support the pink plate effort can make a tax-deductible donation of $25 or more to the Friends of the Missouri Women's Council by sending a check to: Pink Plate, PO Box 1684, Jefferson City, MO 65102, along with a completed application which is available online at www.womenscouncil.org or by phone at 573-751-0810.

###