February 12, 2015

SLCoHD Offers Free Medical Screenings to Women

SALT LAKE COUNTY—The Salt Lake County Health Department (SLCoHD) has appointments available for two programs that provide free medical screenings to qualifying women in Salt Lake County.

The Women’s Cancer Screening program provides free clinical breast exams, pelvic exams and pap tests to underinsured or uninsured women, ages 40–64, who meet income guidelines. Women who receive a clinical breast exam also get a voucher for a free mammogram at an area breast imaging center.

Women who financially qualify for the Women’s Cancer Screening program and who are 50–64 years old are also eligible for free cardiovascular risk screenings through the BeWise program. The screenings include blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar readings, as well as lifestyle counseling, such as fitness, nutrition and smoking cessation resources.

“Heart disease is the number one killer of women, breast cancer is the most common cancer in women and pap tests are key for early detection of cervical precancer,” says Rosa Alveno, BeWise program health educator. “These programs provide women with the knowledge, skills, and opportunities to prevent, delay or control some of our most prevalent chronic diseases.”

Appointments are required for both programs, and are available at three SLCoHD locations:

Ellis R. Shipp Clinic
4535 South 5600 West
West Valley City

Southeast Clinic
9340 South 700 East
Sandy

South Main Clinic
3690 South Main Street
South Salt Lake City

Salt Lake County women may call 1-800-717-1811 for more information about eligibility or to schedule an appointment for either program. The appointment line is staffed Monday to Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and call-takers speak both English and Spanish.

Most other local health departments also offer BeWise and cancer screening programs to women in their jurisdictions. More information for women in those areas is available via the respective departments:

Utah County: 801-851-7031 or 801-851-7092
Weber/Morgan Counties: 801-399-7250
All other in Utah: 1-800-717-1811