$25 gas cards offered to women at mammogram/Pap test appointments at Health Department

Openings available on June 11 for eligible women at Charlevoix office The Health Department of Northwest Michigan is offering extra incentives for eligible women to make and keep their annual mammogram appointments.

Through Sept. 30, clients of the Health Department’s Breast & Cervical Cancer Control Program (BCCCP) will receive a $25 gas card.

“We’re encouraging eligible women to call us and schedule their appointment before Sept. 30 so they won’t miss out on the gas card incentive program,” said Teresa Loundenslager, who coordinates the Breast & Cervical Cancer Control Program for the Health Department. “We’re especially trying to reach women who recently lost their insurance benefits. They need to know we are here for them. Breast cancer is very treatable when it’s discovered early and that’s what BCCCP is all about.”

Eligible women live in Antrim, Charlevoix, Emmet or Otsego counties, are age 40 to 64, meet certain income eligibility requirements, and have no health insurance or no mammogram coverage.

“Women are often surprised at the income eligibility requirement for the (Breast & Cervical Cancer Control Program) — it’s higher than many people expect,” said Loudenslager. “For example, women from a family of four can have an annual income up to $53,000 and still qualify.”

The Antrim County High Tea for Breast Cancer Prevention and Michigan Department of Community Health provided the funding for the Breast & Cervical Cancer Control Program incentives.

For additional information about the Breast & Cervical Cancer Control Program, or to schedule an appointment, call (800) 432-4121.