Programs & Services
Community Partnership Program
Collaborating for Change: Providing Education, Early Detection, and Life-Saving Care Through Community Partnerships
The Ellen Hermanson Community Partnerships program exemplifies the Foundation's commitment to serving medically underserved and historically disenfranchised populations. Partner organizations—Bridgehampton Childcare and Community Center, OLA (Organización Latino Americana), The Retreat, and the Shinnecock Indian Health Center—address communities with breast cancer incidence rates higher than the national average.
Through this program, each organization receives grants to promote educational outreach about the importance of early detection and ensure access to free mammography and treatment. The program also fosters collaboration, with partners meeting monthly to share information about emerging and existing community and hospital resources. This initiative ensures vital support reaches the East End's diverse communities, addressing critical healthcare disparities.
The Ellen Hermanson Foundation welcomes back Laura Borghardt: Community Partnership Liaison
Laura Borghardt
Laura Borghardt is a dedicated advocate for expanding access to breast health care and support services for underserved communities. As the former Director of Cancer Services, Laura built partnerships with local not-for-profit, female-focused organizations, including OLA, The Bridgehampton Childcare and Recreation Center, and the Shinnecock Health Center, through microgrants from the Ellen Hermanson Foundation.
She streamlined access to care by coordinating with microgrant recipients, creating training programs for staff, and connecting partners with the Ellen Hermanson Breast Center to expedite appointments and centralize resources. Laura also fostered collaboration by organizing seminars, hosting events such as a roundtable with Federal Health Director Dr. Dara Cass, and launching impactful initiatives like Cancer Hope Network and a survivorship program honoring local cancer survivors.
Laura’s work included hiring an oncology nurse navigator to enhance patient education and outreach, as well as ensuring cutting-edge technology and effective use of Foundation resources. Her commitment to improving healthcare access and building strong community partnerships continues to guide her efforts as we welcome Laura back to continue the work she started.
Proudly Supporting Our Community Partners
Every Donation Matters in the Fight Against Breast Cancer
Over 6,800 life-saving screenings and procedures were performed in 2023. Your support will provide the state-of-the-art technology for early detection and treatment of breast cancer.