SPECIAL NOTE: This Program received an additional $15,000 grant from the Komen Foundation for Feb. 2005 through Jan. 2006 and a $20,000 grant from Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield and THREE $5,000 grants from the Genworth Financial Foundation for continued support from Jan. 2006 – Sept. 2008.

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 and three annual $5,000 grants (Total=$15,000) from the Genworth Financial Foundation (2005, 2006, & 2007) to “cover” the expenses for more mammograms between January 2006 and September 2008. 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 150% 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 for the new program was originally held on Saturday, February 14, 2004 at the Free Clinic – 1016 Main Street. This event and 10-12 subsequent “outreach” events at targeted locations in 2004-2005 included: free cosmetic gifts for ALL attendees, nice raffle items, videos, catered food, and informational materials to attract a significant # of attendees to each program. *

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, 2006, 2007 and now 2008. Assisting with these programs have been representatives from the Centra Health Breast and Cancer program. *

MEDICAL SERVICES – The FC has provided medical services to eligible patients that emphasize better prevention and/or detection techniques. The Nurse Practitioner 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 ASTERISKS: 1*-OPEN to general public. 2**- OPEN to FC eligible patients only. 3***- These programs establish their own criteria.

Press Release - October 11, 2005