Buddy Check 3: Mammogram Assistance

In these tough economic times more women are in need of mammogram assistance.

For some, this is the first time they’ve had to worry about paying.

News Three’s Tina Tyus Shaw shares what’s being done to help in a Buddy Check 3 report.

Catching medical problems early can save you in the long run.

Staying on track with mammograms should be a priority for women, but the economy is failing many.

“Recently I’ve seen more women that had health insurance but their husband may have lost their job.“

Now they’re left wondering how they will pay for one of the most important health screenings—a mammogram.

“With people losing their jobs, layoffs a lot of people are just losing their health insurance, and we’ve had patients in the middle of treatment that will lose their health insurance.“

Where there’s a will there’s a way.

In this dried up economy Savannah’s Pam Bratty recently presented a check for more than $5,000 to the Saint Josephs/Candler mammography fund.

The money will help women who cannot pay for mammograms on their own.

“I want all women here in Savannah to please take advantage of all my hard work and all my helpers that we raised this money for them to get this done as early as possible don’t put it off.“

So many people have given to the mammography fund, but now the need is greater than ever. 

“The need has increased from October of 2006 to October of 209% usage of the fund so 18,000 in services were paid for last year through the fund.“

It’s hard to turn anyone away.

So if you need a mammogram consider this.

“The hospital also works with patients on making payment arrangements.“

Just remember a tough economy is no reason to forget about your health….ask for help. 
Saint Joseph/Candler mammography fund is a service for people in the Coastal Empire and Lowcountry.  For more information call (912) 819-7000.