HUNTSVILLE, Ala. — Alabama Department of Public Health’s Alabama Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program. It's the program that provides breast and cervical cancer screenings to women who cannot otherwise get them.
The Joy to Life Foundation. It makes these screenings possible.
In response to a need for increased funding in North Alabama, the Joy to Life Foundation is expanding ts efforts and providing funds statewide for breast cancer screenings for women.
The ABCCEDP provides free mammograms, Pap/HPV testing, and if needed, diagnostic testing to women who have no insurance, have an income at or below 250 percent of the poverty level and are age 40-64. If there is a diagnosis of cancer, most women are eligible to receive treatment through the Alabama Medicaid Agency.
The Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Research Foundation, Inc., North Central Alabama Affiliate, ceased operations on April 24, 2020. This organization previously served north Alabama counties.
“We are very appreciative of our longstanding partnership with the Joy to Life Foundation and to its co-founders Joy and Richard Blondheim,” said State Health Officer Dr. Scott Harris. “Early detection of breast cancer through regular screening saves lives. The foundation’s commitment to helping underserved women receive cancer screenings has saved more than 125 lives over the past 17 years. By expanding its coverage statewide, they will help us ensure as many women as possible receive life-saving cancer screenings.”
Each year, ABCCEDP screens hundreds of women, and they say that nearly 3,000 women have been diagnosed since the program began in 1996.
According to the Blondheims, the Joy to Life Foundation feels the need and responsibility to support ABCCEDP in filling this financial gap, so that mammograms and other breast screenings can continue to be provided without interruption in the northern counties for the medically underserved.
To find out whether you, a family member or friend qualify for ABCCEDP, call 1-877-252-3324 toll free or click here.
