THREE pretty big obstacles:

1. Deciding to prepare yourself for cancer. – just in case.
2. Trying to afford insurance – just in case.
3. Finding the income to pursuit services to prepare yourself – just in case.

Uninsured women often face these three obstacles, and many times do not know where to turn.

Uninsured women [are] more likely than their insured counterparts to require a longer, more extensive chemotherapy regimen (find out more statistics from The Commonwealth Fund).

There are several organizations in the Indianapolis area that provide mammogram screenings to those without health insurance and living below the federal poverty. HealthNet is one of those organizations.

Last year, HealthNet provided mammogram screenings to uninsured women, as well as breast health education and outreach services with the hopes of overcoming the cultural, educational, social and financial barriers that prevent women from getting screened.

This education and outreach is vital because research shows that women without health insurance are less likely to get a mammogram screening. A report done in New York showed that uninsured women lag behind the insured when it comes to getting screened for breast cancer. City Council Speaker, Christine Quinn, believes it is, “because uninsured women do not know enough about the resources that are out there for them.”

The American Cancer Society has put together an Indiana Mammography Facility Guide on their website that is a resource listing of facilities throughout the state offering screening services. In addition, a contact number is provided for those on Medicare and the uninsured that assists them with finding a designated site that will provide mammogram screenings if they can not afford this service.

Partnerships through St. Vincent’s Mobile Mammography Unit, Little Red Door Cancer Agency and HealthNet’s Health Centers exist to provide free mammograms to qualifying low-income or uninsured women in Indianapolis.  Together we are taking the steps needed to offer preventative and screening services to women in Indianapolis – just in case.

Uninsured women are less likely to be screened for breast cancer, causing their risk of dying form the disease to increase by 20 percent! Together we can give them a chance to fight breast cancer. Together we can close that gap.

Maggie hard at work!

Before Maggie was born, her maternal grandmother passed away from breast cancer. It was during the late 1960s when technology was not as sophisticated as it is today and, unfortunately, her condition was misdiagnosed. So, Maggie grew up well aware of the risks women face and decided to pursue a career helping those women who may not know the risks or have the knowledge to pursue prevention.

“Most women are nervous and scared to get a mammogram. I take great pride in knowing that I am here to help put them at ease,” – Maggie stated when asked about helping women get screened.

Maggie joined HealthNet because she was most interested in being able to perform both radiological and mammography exams. “Most places make you choose one or the other, so I am excited that I have the opportunity to care for two special areas of need.” She believes that providing compassionate care and making the patient feel comfortable builds a trust that will increase the success rate of them returning for future exams.

“I am also passionate about providing this valuable service to the underinsured and uninsured – everyone deserves quality care.”

Many women who are uninsured may not seek out a mammogram for fear that if there is something wrong…what would happen next? How would they pay for a diagnostic exam if their screening came back showing a concern? At HealthNet, providing life-saving mammogram screenings is vital to ensuring our patients are getting the best care possible – regardless of their ability to pay. Maggie’s sense of compassion and trusting nature put patients at ease. “I know how important it is to have a mammogram. Helping people get the screenings they need, to potentially save their lives, is what my job is all about.”

Learn more about HealthNet’s locations, refer a friend or a family member to pursuit a mammogram, and feel free to call any of our locations to hear about the options offered at HealthNet.

If you would like to donate a simple $25 to help someone afford mammography assistance, here is how.

Last year, a reported 50 million Americans between the ages of 18-64 were without health insurance for the entire year.  This, according to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, is an increase of “1.1 million people each year, over the past several years,

and middle-income people account for half of that increase.”

Access to health care is essential to these people who no longer seek preventative or regular services because of its cost.  Prevention is MORE important than treatment in terms of getting and staying healthy, and now people are coming to the doctor only in times of serious illness or emergency.  This delay can lead to poorer health in the long-run, and people battling with disabilities and chronic illnesses are affected the most.

This reality of more and more people becoming uninsured heightens the importance of greater access to care.  The National Association of Community Health Centers (NACHC), reported an increase of 36% for the number of uninsured patients who visited health centers nationwide.  The need is growing, and the access to care must grow with it.

Preventative care is available through community health centers that can provide multi-service primary care to those who are uninsured, underinsured, or those who do not qualify for other forms of aid.  And the good news is that community health centers around the nation are set to expand as a result of more federal funding.

However, you can help your OWN community by supporting HealthNet‘s community health centers continued efforts to expand and reach those who need it within Indianapolis.  Vistit our website, indyhealthnet.org or donate directly by clicking here.

A nonprofit organization called Share our Strength helps with the fight against childhood hunger.  According to their studies, about 50.1 million Americans struggle to put food on the table on a regular basis.  This fact also affects Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHC) because when children are hungry, it increases their chances of becoming sick.  And,  without regular meals, recovery from illness is much slower.

Children who don’t have regular meals are more likely to have headaches, stomachaches, ear infections, colds, and fatigue.

Hunger and health work hand in hand.  So, what would you do if you had to choose between the two?  You can help make the decision easier by supporting your local FQHC.  HealthNet‘s network of FQHCs provides wrap-around care for the medically uninsured and underinsured.  Providing affordable health care and support services for those who have to make a decision between feeding their children or taking them to the doctor is key, not only to improving the health of our community, but also the economy.

You can help HealthNet continue to provide affordable services and give an Indianapolis family the peace of mind about affording food AND health care.  Raising awareness or a small gift can go a long way for a family living in poverty.  Learn more about HealthNet or give directly by clicking here.