The local Susan G. Komen Memorial affiliate has a new home in downtown Peoria, along with a renewed mission partnership.
Representatives from Komen and UnityPoint Health of Central Illinois were on hand Wednesday for the unveiling of the nonprofit breast cancer organization’s new offices in the Methodist Atrium.
Komen Co-Executive Director Gayle Young said moving into the UnityPoint facility adds a level of convenience that will better serve clients.
“We have people that that would walk into our office all the time and want information or to be connected to services,” said Young. “Now we're in a position where we can call upstairs, or we can send them right across the hall–it's kind of a one stop shop.”
The unveiling was coupled with a renewal of the collaboration between Komen and UnityPoint. Young said the two share a common goal of assisting breast cancer patients.
“Our missions align, and so we are very excited about the fact that we are able to renew our year-round mission partnership,” said Young.
Jeanette Murray, vice president of hospital operations for UnityPoint Health, said having Komen in the building strengthens the partnership between the two organizations.
“Their services are now just steps away from our oncology department, including our high-risk breast clinic where we offer genetic testing and counseling for our patients,” said Murray.
“With both located on the first floor of the atrium, we can provide easier access to resources for women’s health in central Illinois. Through this partnership, we hope to relieve some of the breast cancer health disparities and reduce cancer deaths throughout our community.”
The local Komen offices had been located for 20 years in the Metro Centre. Young said those offices served their purpose, but the move is a change for the better.
“We loved our time there. But I think this just offers us so much more,” said Young. “When you can eliminate issues for women who are seeking information, I think that outweighs the fact that it was it was a great place to be for a long time. But this is where we need to be and we’re excited about that.”
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