October 20, 2006
Rhoades McKee to partner with The Lacks Cancer Center at Saint Mary’s to provide free mammograms for women in need.

October is breast cancer awareness month and many women in Grand Rapids do not have the means to pay for a simple test that could help them detect the disease. That is why local law firm Rhoades McKee is partnering with The Lacks Cancer Center at St. Mary’s to sponsor a mobile mammogram bus on Friday, October 27.

The bus will be parked at Health Intervention Services (HIS) at 15 Andre Street SE, near Division and Burton, to provide free screenings to women who cannot afford the routine testing most women take for granted.

“The vast majority of the people we treat have no insurance,” explains Sylvia Daining, executive director of HIS, a nonprofit center that provides healthcare services to an average of 500 patients each month. “Many of the women who come to us are working several jobs simply to support their families. They don’t have enough money to pay for a mammogram that could potentially save their lives.” In fact, approximately 90% of HIS patients live at or below the poverty level.

Rhoades McKee is covering the cost of the screening mammogram as well as the follow-up radiological readings. “This is a wonderful opportunity to deliver these important services to those in need,” says Carole Gentry, manager of breast services for The Lacks Cancer Center.

“We are excited to provide this vital screening to an underserved population,” says Mary Jane Rhoades, marketing committee chairperson at Rhoades McKee. “We are proud to be a part of this effort to help women protect and defend their health.”

The bus will be at HIS from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Bilingual assistance will be available for Hispanic patients.

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