KOMEN AUSTIN AFFILIATE NAMES DIRECTOR MISSION SERVICES

Monica Saavedra joins local fight against breast cancer

The Austin Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure® has named Monica Saavedra as its Director of Mission Services.  In her new role, Saavedra will be responsible for building and maintaining relationships with the Komen Austin Affiliate service area providers as well as continuing to search for gaps in services.

"We are pleased to have Monica join the Komen Austin Affiliate to help us achieve our awareness and education goals,” said Christy Casey-Moore, executive director for the Komen Austin Affiliate. “Monica brings significant knowledge and experience to expand our breast cancer outreach efforts, especially in our rural communities. Traditionally, rural counties have a higher propensity in breast cancer mortality rates. We are eager to extend our programs, and effect change."

Prior to joining the Komen Austin Affiliate, Saavedra served as the Migrant Health Education Coordinator at the National Center for Farmworker Health where she successfully developed health educational materials and outreach programs.  In addition, Saavedra has managed multiple health education grants and programs, including the Cultivando la Salud Breast Cancer Education program funded by the Komen Austin Affiliate.

"I am thrilled to be working with such a recognized organization, and to utilize my health education experience and background to impact the thousands of people who continue to be affected by the devastating effects of breast cancer,” said Saavedra.

Saavedra has been a Certified Health Education Specialist since 1997. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in health science from the University of Texas at El Paso and a Master's in Public Health from the University of Texas Houston School of Public Health at San Antonio.

About Susan G. Komen for the Cure®
The Austin Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure was established in 1999 and money raised by participants of the Susan G. Komen Austin Race for the Cure® is put directly back into the community.  The 2011 Susan G. Komen Austin Race for the Cure will be held on Sunday, November 13th in downtown Austin.  Since its inception, the Komen Austin Affiliate has provided more than $9 million in funding to local community clinics, hospitals and health care organizations for breast screening, diagnosis and treatment, and research for a cure.  For more information about the organization, please visit www.komenaustin.org.

CONTACT:
Jenn Hatch
Austin Affiliate of Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure®
Tel: 512.684.3875
jhatch@komenaustin.org

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