Feb. 23--Free health screening tests for cancer, diabetes and heart disease are available for qualified women through the Community Health Center.
The "use it or lose it" testing is available through the health centers in Ashland, Medford and White City, said Amber Wagner, health educator for the center.
"We have to use the appointments by the end of June or lose them," she said.
While there are 200 slots available, only 76 women have made appointments for the screening, Wagner said.
Uninsured women between the ages of 50 and 64 who have not had a mammogram in the past two years, or who are currently symptomatic, and meet financial guidelines are eligible for a referral for a free mammogram, Wagner said.
A single woman may qualify with a monthly income of less than $2,258. For a family of two, the limit is $3,035., Wagner said. Women also qualify if they are "under-insured," by having a $500 or greater deductible, she added.
The free medical tests include an office visit where the patient receives cervical cancer screening, blood draws which provide lab testing for heart disease indicators and diabetes and a voucher for a mammogram, Wagner said.
"And they get it all at no charge," she said.
Kimberly Clark, a breast cancer survivor featured in the Mail Tribune Friday, is among those urging women to get their health screens promptly. Clark missed her annual mammogram in 2006 and discovered she had breast cancer in January 2007, she said.
Clark approached the center in spring of 2008, offering to help advocate for mammography.
"I want to help people through this," said Clark.
Clark's image was also used in Rogue Valley Medical Center's printed literature, urging women to get breast cancer screening.
"I want people to take care of themselves," said Clark. "I go talk to anybody who wants to listen."
Clark's words became the "Just Ask" portion of the center's "Every Woman Can Have A Medical Home" program, said Karen Phillips, marketing director of the Community Health Center.
"She told us she didn't want people to be afraid to just ask for their mammograms. We used her words to try and spread the message," she said.
Reach reporter Sanne Specht at 541-776-4497 or e-mail sspecht@mailtribune.com.
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