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Melissa Woodson, executive director of Komen Virginia Blue Ridge Affiliate, said she has received about 30 emails and phone calls since the national controversy erupted over the Susan G. Komen for the Cure’s funding of Planned Parenthood

“The preponderance of responses we have gotten are ‘Don’t be political’ and my answer is we haven’t been political and we won’t be,” Woodson said today. “People in the community are invested in us staying apolitical.”

Still, as the controversy has continued to capture headlines nationally, Woodson said she was aware that it could potentially have a negative effect on the local affiliate, including the group’s upcoming Race for the Cure in downtown Roanoke. That’s scheduled for April 14, and Woodson said they want to ensure that participants continue to register.

So, earlier today, the Virginia Blue Ridge Affiliate, which is based in Roanoke and serves 32 cities and counties in Southwest Virginia, issued a press release affirming that it will “never choose a side in a political debate unrelated to our cause.” The release went on to praise Komen’s national decision to reverse its new policy on grant distributions.

Woodson also stressed the Virginia Blue Ridge Affiliate’s pledge to keep 75 percent of money it raises in the community. The affiliate sends 25 percent of donations to support Komen’s national research.

Last year, the affiliate, which was formed in 2006, gave $292,815 in grant money to several local organizations, including $41,737 to Planned Parenthood Health Systems Inc. in Roanoke. Other grant recipients include nonprofit hospitals, free clinics and the Virginia Department of Health.

“All of our grants go to screenings and advocacy and clinical breast exams and education,” Woodson said, adding that all current grant recipients are in good standing.