MIAMI — Women in South Florida who are uninsured; between the ages of 50-64; have not been screened in the past year for breast or cervical cancer; and meet financial eligibility criteria can get free screenings, thanks to grants issued by Health Foundation of South Florida.
Florida Department of Health offices in Miami-Dade and Broward each has been awarded a $120,000 grant from Health Foundation of South Florida to target women at greatest risk of developing breast and cervical cancer, as well as to target those not receiving the recommended cancer screenings in the last five years. Given to the health departments’ Florida Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program, the funds will be used for clinical breast examination, mammogram, Pap test and needed breast or cervical diagnostic procedures.
“Through our partnership with Health Foundation of South Florida and their generous contribution, the Florida Department of Health in Miami-Dade County will be able to provide additional breast and cervical cancer screenings in our community, thus improving the health of our residents through early detection and education,” said Lillian Rivera, administrator of Miami-Dade’s health department.
The Florida Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program is funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention through the Florida Department of Health. Women living in 19 Broward County zip codes that have reported a high incidence of late stage breast cancer between 2004 and 2008 are being targeted. The 19 zip codes were identified in a study conducted by the University of Miami Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center.
“This project will provide peace of mind to women as they complete all follow-up procedures after being informed of an abnormal mammogram screening or Pap test. Women will learn whether or not they are free of breast or cervical cancer,” said Trivel Cooper McKire, program manager and regional coordinator for the early detection program.
The Miami-Dade health department screening program services women in Monroe county as well. Broward serves Palm Beach and Martin counties.
Women who are diagnosed with breast or cervical cancer through the program and are citizens or U.S. permanent residents for five years are eligible to apply for the Mary Brogan Medicaid Treatment Act. This treatment act allows the woman to receive treatment paid for by Medicaid.
The program provides specialty diagnostics tests when needed, transportation, case management and referrals to resources available within the community for financial assistance for treatment, if patients do not qualify for the Mary Brogan Medicaid Treatment Act.
To set an appointment, contact the Florida Department of Health at 305-470-5634 or 954-762-3649.
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