Mammograms available in Warden soon

WARDEN - Warden School Nurse Kimberly Hansen wanted to highlight breast cancer awareness in April.

"Breast cancer is a pretty sensitive subject to our school," Hansen said. "We have staff who are newly diagnosed or have lived through (breast cancer) and two staff members are being actively treated right now."

Hansen contacted Providence Health and Services of Washington to get awareness rolling in Warden.

Providence started a service giving mammograms in a traveling coach throughout Washington.

The coach will be parked at the Warden School District office and open to give mammograms and osteoporosis screenings Friday, April 29 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

"They were happy to come and they are going to waive their fee," Hansen said.

The mammograms take about 15 minutes.

Hansen added that if a person has had a mammogram before, the Providence Coach technicians will track down previous exam results for comparison with results from the day's exam.

The osteoporosis testing costs $15 and is not covered by most insurance providers.

Hansen said Providence is willing to work out a pay scale for uninsured or under-insured people needing an exam.

"They have to see at least 10 people to make the visit," Hansen said. "So, we're hoping to get at least 10."

The Providence Coach will make it's visit during the Day of the Child Festival in Warden.

People wanting to get a mammogram should call 509-474-2400 or toll free at 877-474-2400.

Exams will be billed to insurance carriers and can be considered a person's annual exam.