For immediate release: April 6, 2006                                                         (06-053)

Contacts: Pama Joyner, Breast and Cervical Health program               360-236-3589

                 Jeff Smith, Communications Office                                         360-236-4072

Mammograms and Pap tests more available to state’s low income women

State and private funds combine to improve access for Washington’s under-served women

OLYMPIA ¾ As many as 4,000 more low-income, uninsured and underinsured women in Washington will have access to free women’s health screenings this year thanks to new state and private funds. An additional $1.4 million recently authorized by the legislature and signed by the governor will be combined with donations from established and new private non-profit fundraising groups.

The Washington Breast and Cervical Health Program (www.doh.wa.gov/wbchp), which provides free women’s health exams, was able to serve only 17 percent of the eligible women last year (11,000 in 2005). The new funding will extend service to more eligible women. Women who are eligible are low income, uninsured or underinsured women ages 40-64.

The increase in state money and regular funding from the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention will be combined with new funding from the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, including a $300,000 grant from the Puget Sound Affiliate; $100,000 from the Oregon/Southwest Washington Affiliate; and $400,000 from the National Susan G. Komen Foundation. 

In addition, the Breast Cancer Prevention Fund, based in Everett, recently donated an additional $100,000. The foundation raises money for mammograms — primarily via phone solicitations — to help women who cannot afford to get the screening they need. The organization has pledged continued financial support to the state program to provide mammograms.

“With the combined increase in funds, fewer women will be turned away or placed on long waiting lists,” said Pama Joyner, manager of the Washington Breast and Cervical Cancer Program. “We are excited about being able to screen so many more women across the state. For both breast and cervical cancer, the earlier any cancer is detected, the better the outlook for survival. To reinforce this message and recruit more women, we are sponsoring a recruitment campaign, The Key is Early Detection! Schedule Your Mammogram and Pap Test.”

For more information about how to access services or a free packet about breast and cervical health, contact 1-888-438-2247.

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