Grant to help Aspirus offer free breast health screenings
For Immediate Release
WAUSAU, Wis. – The Aspirus Health Foundation has received a $105,942 grant from the Central Wisconsin Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure® to continue offering a breast health program through Aspirus Women’s Health.
The program provides free screening, diagnostic and genetic breast services for women and men who would otherwise forgo these services due to out-of-pocket costs. Since the program began in 2008, it has provided free services and education to more than 1,500 women.
“We are very grateful that Komen and all of our partners have maintained their support of our program,” said Kalynn Pempek, executive director of the Aspirus Health Foundation. “By providing these services to women who otherwise couldn’t afford them, we can offer them peace of mind and help them identify any problems as early as possible.”
Aspirus’ breast health program provides free screening and diagnostic services to eligible residents of counties served by Komen’s Central Wisconsin Affiliate, including:
- Breast exam
- Education
- Screening mammogram
- Diagnostic mammogram
- Ultrasound
- MRI
- Biopsy
- Genetic counseling
- Genetic testing
- Patient navigation
- Transportation assistance to appointments
Participants can receive these services as needed at no cost to them through March 31, 2015, or until funds are exhausted. The free services offered through this program are available at Surgical Associates in Wausau and all Aspirus hospitals and clinics located in the following counties served by the Central Wisconsin Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure:
- Langlade
- Lincoln
- Marathon
- Portage
- Taylor
- Wood
Participants may qualify if their out-of-pocket expenses would cause them to forgo receiving these services. Those with health insurance can qualify for the program.
Registration is required to determine eligibility for the program.
For more information and to register, please call the Aspirus Information Center at715.847.2380 or 800.847.4707. Information also is available online at aspirus.org/freemammogram.
This program is supported by this grant from the Central Wisconsin Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure®. Additional support is provided by Radiology Associates of Wausau, the Langlade Health Foundation, Memorial Health Center, the Aspirus Health Foundation, Aspirus Wausau Hospital, Aspirus Clinics, Central Wisconsin Radiologists, Park and Associates, and Surgical Associates.
About Susan G. Komen for the Cure® and the Central Wisconsin Affiliate
Nancy G. Brinker promised her dying sister, Susan G. Komen, she would do everything in her power to end breast cancer forever. In 1982, that promise became Susan G. Komen for the Cure and launched the global breast cancer movement. The Central Wisconsin Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure is working to better the lives of those battling breast cancer in the local community. Established in 2007, the Komen Central Wisconsin Affiliate has already invested more than $300,000 in local breast health and breast cancer awareness projects in Langlade, Lincoln, Marathon, Portage, Taylor, Wood and western Shawano counties, including sponsoring an annual public forum on breast health. Up to 75 percent of net proceeds generated by the Affiliate stay in the central Wisconsin area. The remaining income goes to the national Susan G. Komen for the Cure Grants Program to fund research. For more information, call 715-212-8115 or visit www.komencentralwisconsin.org.
Media Contact: Greg Aune, 715.847.0479
# # #