Introducing Susan G. Komen® Greater Central And East Texas

(AUSTIN, TX) — Representatives with Susan G. Komen® Austin announced on January 3 it will expand operations across the state by joining forces with Komen East Central Texas, continuing their promise to increase access to breast health care.

The new consolidated nonprofit organization will operate as Susan G. Komen® Greater Central and East Texas, becoming the second largest Komen affiliate in the state, serving residents in 58 counties including Anderson, Angelina, Bastrop, Bell, Blanco, Bosque, Brazos, Burleson, Burnet, Caldwell, Camp, Cherokee, Coryell, Ellis, Falls, Fayette, Freestone, Gillespie, Gregg, Hamilton, Harrison, Hays, Henderson, Hill, Houston, Jasper, Kaufman, Lampasas, Lee, Leon, Limestone, Llano, Madison, Marion, Mason, McLennan, Milam, Mills, Nacogdoches, Navarro, Newton, Panola, Rains, Robertson, Rusk, Sabine, San Augustine, San Saba, Shelby, Smith, Travis, Trinity, Tyler, Upshur, Washington, Williamson, Wood and Van Zandt.

With this change, Komen® Greater Central and East Texas will be able to increase its ability to provide important breast health education, breast cancer screening and survivor support programs to women and men who are most at risk and most in need. The organization will maintain existing offices in Austin, Waco and Tyler and will continue to host local events.

Suzanne Stone, Executive Director of Komen® Austin, will serve as Executive Director of Komen® Greater Central and East Texas.

“The women and men we serve will continue to be at the forefront of our efforts,” said Ms. Stone. “By joining forces while maintaining local offices, outreach and events, we will increase our mission impact on the fight against breast cancer. Over time, breast cancer screening rates in the expanded service area will increase exponentially.

Ultimately, the expansion allows us to continue delivering on our promise—to save lives by meeting the most critical needs in our communities and investing in breakthrough research to prevent and cure breast cancer.”

The board of directors for Komen® Greater Central and East Texas will have representation from both the Austin and East Central Texas affiliates.

“Blending the two organizations increases our reach and flexibility to create operational efficiencies while driving additional revenue,” said Scott O’ Brien, president of Komen® Greater Central and East Texas board of directors (former president, Komen® Austin board). “This expansion also allows us to provide corporate partners with enhanced marketing opportunities that will fund and support additional community programs.”