ATHENS, Ohio -- The Breast and Cervical Cancer Screening Program and the Healthy Adult Project (HAP), provided by Ohio University College of Osteopathic Medicine's Community Service Programs, are promoting and expanding their services to ten counties in Southeast Appalachian Ohio. These counties include Athens, Hocking, Jackson, Meigs, Morgan, Perry, Pike, Scioto, Vinton and Washington.
The Breast and Cervical Cancer Program offers services to uninsured and underinsured women living in the ten-county region. The program provides clinical breast exams, referrals for mammograms to women over 50, breast self-examination education and Pap tests to women over 40. Funding from the Komen Columbus Race for the Cure Foundation ensures that no women are turned away. Free breast and cervical cancer screenings will be provided Thursday, Aug. 30, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Meigs County Healthy Department parking lot in Pomeroy.
The HAP was developed to improve the health status of people who live in the ten-county region. The program provides education on risk factors and prevention of heart disease and diabetes. Health screenings also will be provided by a registered nurse and certified nurse practitioner to detect problems such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes at an early stage. A grant from the Ohio Department of Aging will assist the program in reaching seniors in six of the counties, though the program serves seniors in all ten.
"These programs have the potential to have a major positive impact on the residents of Southeastern Ohio by providing a much needed service free of charge," said Kathy Trace, R.N., manager of Community Service Programs.
These services are being made possible through a new mobile unit, which has provided health-care services throughout several counties since June.
To find out when services are being offered in your area and to make an appointment for a breast and cervical cancer screening clinic, please call Diana Kasler, R.N., or Melanie Moynan-Smith, certified nurse practitioner, at Community Service Programs, 740-593-2432 or 800-844-2654.
