Second Annual Free Cancer Screening on April 22

The collaborative efforts of Spectrum Health Reed City Hospital and District Health Department No. 10 will team up once again for the second annual Free Cancer Screening day on Thursday, April 22, 2008. Spectrum Health is donating clinical space, health care providers, clinical services and marketing. District Health Department No. 10 is responsible for the scheduling of appointments, education, outreach and coordination of the entire event, and the American Cancer Society is responsible for the printing of promotional materials.

The one day free screening for prostate, colorectal, skin, breast and cervical cancer is targeted to those who do not have insurance or whose insurance does not cover screenings, are age 64 or under, and have not had a cancer screening in at least one year. Screenings include skin cancer, colorectal risk assessment and home testing kit, prostate cancer (PSA blood test and digital exam), clinical breast exam, pelvic exam with Pap smear and mammogram as needed.

The partnership earned the Michigan Cancer Consortium Spirit of Collaboration honorable mention award in 2007 for their free cancer screening project. The annual award is presented to member organizations that have done outstanding collaborative work to significantly move comprehensive cancer control activities forward in Michigan. In 2007, 18 residents received cancer screening services as a result of this event. The hope is to double that number for the 2008 event.

The Reed City chapter of the Women of the Moose donated $500 in 2007 to help offset the cost of the program and have been an integral part of the collaborative committee for the 2007-2008 program. Taking a more hands-on approach this year, members have been at each committee meeting offering support and assistance with the communication piece. Women of the Moose members will distribute flyers and hang posters throughout the various communities within Osceola County hoping to reach all that may qualify for the free screenings.

Local service organizations and individuals are encouraged to donate monies to help cover mammography technical fees and lab costs which may be as high as $5,000. Any businesses or individuals interested in making a monetary contribution to this worthwhile cause are encouraged to do so. Please make your check payable to the Osceola County Cancer Awareness Committee and mail to 4499 220th Street, Reed City, MI 49677.

Appointments are necessary for the free cancer screening. Please call (231) 592-0130 ext. 8659 to make an appointment or’for more information. Space is limited. No walk-ins please.