PROJECT SUMMARY - FEBRUARY 2004 – DECEMBER 2010

HISTORY- The Free Clinic of Central Virginia (FC) launched this FREE program in 2004-2005 with the help of a major $50K grant from the nationally recognized, Susan G. Komen Foundation. This program was renewed for limited funding from the Komen Foundation of $15,000 in 2005-2006. This program has also received an additional $20,000 from Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield in 2006 and three annual $5,000 grants (Total value of $15,000) from the Genworth Financial Foundation (2005, 2006, & 2007) to “cover” the expenses for more mammograms between January 2006 and July 2008. It has also received support in late 2008 & again in 2009–2010 from Centra Health’s M.A.M Program for FOUR FREE mobile mammography van visits per year. The MDM Networking, Inc. (Violet Mitchell, Kathryn Drayton, & Louise Mitchell) now covers the balance of the clinic’s mammogram “bill” to Centra. Basically, the goal of the program has been to expand regional publicity efforts due to the lack of breast health education, offer clinical exams, and provide mammograms among the underserved population in Central Virginia. The goal has been to increase the number of outreach educational opportunities for people in our community, increase the number of women who receive counseling/education while receiving medical services at the FC, and double the number of women who have an annual mammography completed. The FC service population, which has income 200% or below the federal poverty level and lacks any type of health insurance, Medicaid, or Medicare, has been the group being addressed.

PUBLICITY – A major “KICK-OFF” EVENT was held on Saturday, February 14, 2004. This event and 10-12 subsequent “outreach” events at targeted locations in 2004-05 included: free cosmetic gifts for ALL attendees, nice raffle items, videos, catered food, and informational materials to attract a significant # of attendees to the program. Patients now sign up by word of mouth and/or at on-going educational programs. *

EDUCATION – The FC has been conducting educational programs at each of 10-12 “outreach” sites as well as 2-4 other programs at the Free Clinic in each new calendar year 2005-2009 and now 2010. Assisting with these programs are representatives from the Centra Health Breast and Cancer program. Educational programs continue to be offered on a regular basis. *
MEDICAL SERVICES – The FC has provided medical services to eligible patients that emphasize better prevention and/or detection techniques. The Nurse Practitioner, Physician Assistant, and a PT Nurse have taken additional time with patients to discuss risk factors, self-examination, and the need for an annual mammogram. **

MAMMOGRAM – The FC provides this service for all eligible patients either at Centra Health or through the use of Centra Health’s Mammography Mobile at the FC. **
WITNESS PROJECT – The FC dovetails its program with this established program at Centra Health for educational purposes. ***
EVERY WOMAN’S LIFE - If a positive mammogram is received for a patient, the FC possibly refers a patient to this program administered by the Lynchburg Health Dept. ***

CENTRA HEALTH – The FC dovetails its program with other beneficial services provided through Centra Health Comprehensive Breast and Cancer Program, if deemed appropriate for the patient. ***

(KEY TO ASTERIKS: 1*-OPEN to general public. 2**- OPEN to FC eligible patients only. 3***- These programs establish their own criteria.

Press Release - October 11, 2005