SITKA – The SouthEast Alaska Regional Health Consortium (SEARHC) has announced that all 2020 mobile mammogram services have been canceled due to potential risks presented by COVID-19. The mobile mammogram clinics, formed through a partnership between the Breast Cancer Detection Center of Alaska (BCDC) and SEARHC WISEWOMAN program, offer digital mammography services in remote SEARHC communities, typically in the spring and summer. The organizations are now focusing on program resumption in spring 2021.
“The SEARHC WISEWOMAN team was looking forward to once again partnering with BCDC to bring this crucial service to our more rural areas,” said Pam Sloper, SEARHC WISEWOMAN RN. “Unfortunately, the ongoing pandemic has rendered the mobile mammogram tour to be a significant risk to our communities. Our teams have an eye on 2021 to resume this important service.”
SEARHC patients are encouraged to stay up to date on mammography screening. Mammography services remain available in Sitka to all residents of Southeast, including those in remote service areas. Speak to your SEARHC provider for a referral and travel assistance.
The SEARHC WISEWOMAN program provides free clinical breast exams, Pap tests, and cardiovascular screenings for all women ages 30 – 64, and mammograms for women age 40 – 64, who meet specific income and insurance guidelines. For more information, call SEARHC WISEWOMAN at 1.888.388.8782.
BCDC is based out of Fairbanks and works to increase breast cancer awareness and early detection by delivering screening services and education throughout the state. BCDC offers high-quality images utilizing 3D tomosynthesis technology performed by certified radiologic technologists.