CHA Is Offering a Day of Free Health Screenings for Uninsured Women
On October 26, women, trans men, and non-binary people who are uninsured or underserved can receive free pap smears, mammograms, and more.
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On October 26, women, trans men, and non-binary folks who lack insurance have the opportunity to receive free health screenings during an all day event held at Cambridge Alliance Center.
The See, Test, & Treat event, which is hosted by Cambridge Health Alliance, works to save women’s lives through early detection, empowering them to take their health into their own hands through preventative health care and connection to their healthcare providers.
During the event, participants have the chance to meet with a pathologist and receive a pap smear and pelvic exam, mammogram, and HPV Test. With access to same day results, providers will be able to detail a care plan for anyone who has abnormal results, and schedule a follow-up appointment if necessary.
Alliance researchers found that although more than 90 percent of Mass. residents have health insurance, some women still weren’t getting critical breast and cervical cancer tests, Cambridge Day reports. Those affected include Muslim women in Malden, Revere, Chelsea, Winthrop, and Everett, as well as homeless women, those being treated for addiction, and those living in public housing.
“No woman should die of a cancer that’s preventable,” Dr. Rebecca Osgood, chief of pathology and a co-organizer of the program, tells Cambridge Day. “We are very excited to be doing this; we want to help women get this care. It fits so well with the CHA mission, which is to improve the health of the communities. We all went into health care to help people and this is one day when we can all band together.”
The nationwide See, Test & Treat program reaches between 50 and 150 women and families per event, with events being held from places as far as Hawaii to New Jersey and Texas.
Also important to note: The day doesn’t just stop at women’s health screenings. There will also be free eye exams as well as mindfulness and stress reduction information and counseling about how to access healthcare coverage. And if transportation or childcare is a limiting factor, the Alliance has that covered as well. Those seeking screenings are asked to sign up in advance, and are encouraged to bring family and friends to the health fair.
For more information and to sign up: challiance.org.
