Foundation and Hologic Combat Health Inequity

The CAP Foundation and its See, Test & Treat® program empower pathologists across the US to help address health care inequity in their communities. This objective has been at the heart of the organization’s mission for over a decade. However, See, Test & Treat wouldn’t be possible without the Foundation’s partnerships with health care organizations sharing the same vision.

Hologic, Inc., a leading supplier of breast and cervical cancer screening technologies, continued to champion women’s health throughout the challenges of 2020 by supplying Pap and HPV tests and testing technology at See, Test & Treat events.

Pathologists know the importance of reliable and accurate testing. And now, hundreds of more medically at-risk women who obtained care at See, Test & Treat programs can breathe easier knowing they’ve received top-quality screening, and at no cost.

Anne Roddick is the director of global women’s health and strategic partnerships at Hologic and a staunch proponent of closing existing health care gaps.

“We know that preventive screening and early detection save lives, and Hologic believes that all women, regardless of income or socioeconomic status, should enjoy the benefits of preventive health care,” Roddick said.

Hologic has partnered with See, Test & Treat for nearly 15 years. Its leaders understand the essential work it takes to both provide free care and empower the pathologists who oversee medical laboratories and testing. According to Roddick, the landmark health and societal crises of 2020 have only served to further the organization’s resolve.

She said, “The events of 2020 have put a spotlight on racism and racial inequality issues in the United States, and Hologic increased our overall charitable giving this year [2020] with a focus on health and education disparities.”

The CAP Foundation, led by Executive Director Maryrose Murphy, agrees that now, more than ever, is the time to step up efforts to address these issues and provide care to communities in need.

“We’ve always strived to make an impact by providing not only free care, but health education to women across the US,” Murphy said. “With the help of Hologic, we’ve been able to make a more meaningful impact and will continue to find new ways to help pathologists help their patients.”

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, both the CAP Foundation and Hologic used the tools at their disposal to help. The Foundation found creative ways to raise money with a virtual 5K, while also reassessing initiatives that could be used in the fight against COVID-19, such as the John H. Rippey Grant for Expedited Research.

For Hologic, their contributions came in the form of quickly developing diagnostic tests for SARS-CoV-2. The organization has produced tens of millions of tests and is currently ramping up production to help address the winter surge, according to Roddick.

She said, “The pandemic has highlighted the importance of accurate and reliable diagnostic testing in providing optimal health care.”

Murphy agreed. “The fallout from COVID-19 has hit lower income communities and people of color particularly hard,” she said. “With help from donors and partners, the Foundation and its pathologist leaders are proud to help close these gaps in care.”