Iris Breast Cancer RehabilitationGeorgia Initiative
The Georgia Outreach Initiative, launched in January 2022, reduces geographic and financial barriers to rehabilitation for survivors living outside metro-Atlanta, where access to quality care is often limited.
Survivors living outside metro-Atlanta, including Black, LGBTQ+, and other marginalized or minority breast cancer survivors
From irisbcr.org/about/why-iris ↗About this program
With funding from the Georgia Center for Oncology Research and Education (CORE), the program expands Iris' reach across rural Georgia. Services include: In-clinic and telehealth visits for physical therapy, emotional counseling, nutritional support, and exercise (with one-third of patients using a hybrid model of care) Lymphedema education through self-management training, promoting earlier detection and independence Financial aid to reduce cost barriers Transportation assistance for patients traveling to appointments
Impact: Providing a geographically accessible clinic in downtown Atlanta (next to the MLK Marta station and close to Grady Hospital). Promoting awareness of Iris's programs and services. Offering financial and transportation assistance to Black, LGBTQ+, and other marginalized or minority breast cancer survivors.
Partnership with Georgia CORE: Georgia CORE is a unique statewide organization that builds collaboration across hospitals, nonprofits, public health centers, and national partners like the NCI. Their mission is to increase access to innovative cancer resources, research, and personalized survivorship care. Iris's partnership with Georgia CORE enables expanded services and sustainable program growth in underserved regions.
Details
- Who
- Survivors living outside metro-Atlanta, including Black, LGBTQ+, and other marginalized or minority breast cancer survivors
- Where
- Rural Georgia, with an in-clinic location in downtown Atlanta and telehealth visits
Run by
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Physical TherapyPhysical therapy includes hands-on stretching, manual therapy and exercise for joints and muscles that are stiff, painful and have lost range of motion after mastectomy, lumpectomy, radiation or reconstruction..avif)
Counseling & Emotional SupportCounseling provides emotional support and practical coping strategies for the challenges that arise during and after breast cancer treatment.Exercise OncologyIris provides individualized exercise programs and small group classes both in person and virtual.