The Catskill Chronicle

SULLIVAN COUNTY, NY (July 30, 2014) – The Catskill Regional Medical Center has partnered with the Cancer Services Program of Sullivan County to provide free breast and cervical cancer screenings to uninsured and underinsured women in Sullivan County.

“The Cancer Services Program is one of the most valuable programs in the county, as it offers the opportunity to save lives,” said Dr. Gerard Galarneau, Catskill Regional’s CEO. “Early detection has long been known to be one of the most important assets to cancer treatment, and this program helps those in the community who would otherwise not have the means or opportunity for early detection.”

Since 1994, Catskill Regional has been the lead agency in Sullivan County to partner with the Cancer Services Program of Sullivan County in offering this service to women in need. The Cancer Services Program is sponsored through both state and federal funding, with Catskill Regional as a partner to help allocate the awarded grants.

The program contracts with many local physicians and nurse practitioners to provide services to qualifying patients. The New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) has credentialed each of these healthcare providers to perform breast exams, Pap tests and pelvic exams.

Available screenings for women include:

· Clinical breast exam every year for uninsured and underinsured women over 40 (women under the age of 40 who are at high risk for breast or cervical cancer may also be eligible for screening);

· Pelvic exam with Pap test every three years for uninsured and underinsured women over 40;

· Screening mammogram every year for uninsured and underinsured women over 40;

In addition to clinical exams, the program provides assistance with enrollment in the Medicaid cancer treatment program for financially eligible clients who are diagnosed. Follow-up care includes recommendation on further diagnostic testing and counseling on necessary care. Appropriate referrals to health and human service agencies are provided to aid patients in the management of their treatment.

To learn more about the program or to see if you are eligible call 845-794-3300, extension 2794 or visit www.crmcny.org/cancerscreenings.