Take Charge Program Offers Free Breast and Cervical Cancer Screenings

News9.com

OKLAHOMA CITY - The OU College of Nursing has scheduled 14 free clinics for women to help satisfy their resolution for a healthier New Year.

"Women often take care of everyone else in their families and don't take care of themselves. This is a chance to do something meaningful," said Jennifer Stammer, coordinator of the Take Charge! program at the OU College of Nursing. "Take Charge! is a free service for women who don't have insurance in Oklahoma, but want to receive cancer screenings as part of their health care. Regular screenings for cancer and other diseases are vital for women, especially since finding cancer in its earliest stages can mean the difference between life and death."

The Take Charge! program is Oklahoma's Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program administered by the Oklahoma State Department of Health. Services provided by the OU College of Nursing also are funded in part by a $200,000 grant from the Central Oklahoma Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure.

Take Charge! Clinics Offered in January & February by OU College of Nursing:

Jan. 13

ROC Medical Center

7710 NW 10

Jan. 14

Clinica de la Mujer Latina

420 SW 10

Jan. 15

Crossings Community Clinic

2208 W Hefner Rd.

Jan. 20

OU Breast Institute

OU Physician's Building

825 NE 10, Suite 3500

Jan. 25

Baptist Community Clinic

Olivet Baptist Church

1201 NW 10

Jan. 26

OU College of Nursing

1100 N Stonewall Ave.

Jan. 28

Latina - Ramirez Center

222 NW 12

Feb. 2

Dr. Bruce Bell's Office

4200 S May Ave.

Feb. 3

OU College of Nursing

1100 N Stonewall Ave.

Feb. 9

OU College of Nursing

1100 N Stonewall Ave.

Feb. 11

Clinica de la Mujer Latina

420 SW 10

Feb. 15

Baptist Community Clinic

Olivet Baptist Church

1201 NW 10 

Feb. 17

ROC Medical Center

7710 NW 10

Feb. 19

Latina - Ramirez Center

222 NW 12

Call 271-2124 to make an appointment or for more information.

For 2010, there are new requirements for the Take Charge! program. They are listed below:

Age:

Ages 50 - 64 (Will receive an annual free mammogram and a free pap test every two years)

Ages 40 - 49 (Must have breast symptoms to be seen)

Ages 35 - 49 (Must not have had a pap test in the last 5 years in order to be seen)

Ages 35 - 49 (Must have had a hysterectomy due to cervical cancer or pre-cancer to be seen)

Insurance:

Women must not have insurance or have insurance with a high deductible. In addition, they must not be covered by Medicare or Medicaid.

Income:

Women must earn 185 percent or below of the federal poverty level.