The Susan G. Komen Foundation/Planned Parenthood flap offers a good reminder about charitable giving: Many organizations, born of good intent, grow really big with success and become more difficult to monitor, as far as knowing where and for what any given donation is actually going.
Giving locally is a good way to combat the problem. Donors can specify where, and sometimes how, the money can be used. Giving to your local Planned Parenthood gives it the freedom to use the money as needed; sending the money to the national organization will net you a lifetime of being hounded for more donations with glossy mailings.
The Komen Foundation is credited with bringing breast cancer awareness into the national consciousness, a great achievement. The walks and fund-raisers raise millions and promote awareness. While buying a box of cookies with a pink ribbon may make one feel like they are donating “for the cure,” it’s hard to trace all the pink ribbon dollars.
On the other hand, if one wanted to make sure that low-income women received recommended mammogram screenings, or help paying for breast cancer treatment, there are dozens of local health and social service organizations in Snohomish and King counties where someone can give for that cause.
If someone wants to give specifically for breast cancer research, again, we have many great choices locally, including the Providence Regional Cancer Partnership (which includes doctors from Providence Regional Medical Center Everett, the Everett Clinic, Western Washington Medical Group and Northwest Washington Radiation Oncology Associates), the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance (which includes doctors from Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, University of Washington Medicine, Seattle Children’s and Group Health) and the Swedish Cancer Institute.
The United Way of Snohomish County is a great way to donate locally for health causes. The charity supports 98 organizations, many with medical and/or mental health services, including Community Health Center of Snohomish County, and Senior Services of Snohomish County. United Way’s website breaks down where the local donations go, and includes the amount of “donor directed” gifts to specific agencies.
The United Way reports that an estimated 117,000 (23 percent) Snohomish County adults have not seen a doctor in at least two years. An estimated 55 percent of uninsured children in our region were eligible for public insurance programs, but are not enrolled, according to the agency.
There’s no way for a person to get a preventive cancer screening exam if they don’t see a doctor for two years or longer. Prevention requires the basics, like doctor visits. Local giving more easily targets the exact need.
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