LETTERS: Service available years ago
To the Editor:
I'm writing to express my concern for the preventive health care of women in the age group of 40-64. Marion County Health Department is currently participating in a grant program that provides pelvic exams, pap smears, breast exams, and mammograms for women age 40-64 who do not have insurance or other funding for health care, or have insurance with high unmet deductibles.
We have an evening clinic once a month and have been providing these exams for several months. My concern is that not enough women are taking advantage of this important grant program. "Early detection" works. This program is part of Kansas' breast and cervical cancer early detection program and is funded through the Center for Disease Control and Prevention.
Cancer is no longer a word people should be afraid to utter; nor does it need to be a death sentence, especially if discovered early. Simply put, early detection through regular screenings can save lives. Perhaps those reading this do not need this service themselves but know of someone who does. I urge any women who need this service to call the Marion County Health Department at 1-620-382-2250 or 1-800-305-8848 and make an appointment. It might be the most important call you ever make.
Ruth Reed, ARNP-C
