Blog Action Day 2008 - Topic: Poverty

As a participant in the Blog Action Day 2008, I am submitting information with regard to the worldwide topic of poverty. The intent is to make this topic relevant to your particular blog. Everyone in the world participating in this event will be posting something that has to do with poverty on this same day, October 15, 2008. Since my blog deals with breast cancer, I thought it would be helpful to pass along information on low-cost or free mammograms. In addition to this information, I am also sharing a particularly helpful list that I ask each of you to check out - 88 Ways to DO Something About Poverty Right Now.

Now for the list of low-cost or free mammograms:

Contact the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) at (888) 842-6355 or visit their Web site at http://www.cdc.gov/. Appointments for free and low-cost mammograms is limited, so it is best to make your appointments early in the year.

- excerpt from wiki.answers.com

If you do not have health insurance...
· Call your local chapter of the American Cancer Society ("ACS" number in your phone book) or the national toll-free number, 1-800-ACS-2345. The ACS will be able to tell you about any low-cost or free mammography programs offering screening to women unable to pay for it themselves.
· Call your State Department of Health (number in your phone book). Every state now has a Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program funded by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. This program offers screening to qualifying women unable to pay for it themselves.
· Call the YWCA's ENCOREplus Program for access to low-cost or free mammograms. To find which YWCA facilities offer this service and if you are eligible, call 1-800-95EPLUS or your local YWCA.
· Call the National Cancer Institute at 1-800-4-CANCER for the names of FDA-certified, accredited mammography facilities in your area. If you explain your financial situation, some mammography facilities are willing to work out a lower fee or payment schedule that will make the test more affordable. Ask the facility if they are willing to discuss these options with you.
· October of each year is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and many mammography facilities offer special fees and extended hours during this month. If you are unable to schedule a mammogram another time of year, you may wish to call in September to reserve an appointment.

- excerpt from http://www.breasthealthonline.org/

Peace and abundance to us all, Tina