FIRST COAST NEWS is partnering with Baptist Health for its annual Buddy Check 12 initiative, dedicating November to women's breast health awareness. Throughout the month, local women who are uninsured or underinsured can receive free mammograms and breast health screenings. This program emphasizes early detection, which is crucial for positive outcomes in breast cancer cases.
To schedule these vital screenings, women can call 904.202.CARE (2273). The free services are available at multiple Baptist Health locations, including Baptist Medical Center Jacksonville, Baptist Medical Center South, Baptist Medical Center Nassau, and Baptist Clay Medical Campus. For women meeting specific criteria after an initial screening, additional evaluations may be conducted at the Baptist/MD Anderson Cancer Center.
The Buddy Check 12 program aims to provide access to essential preventative care for individuals who might face financial barriers to screening. Melanie Messer, Manager of Community Outreach at Baptist Health, highlighted the program's life-saving impact, stating, 'For some, this is the only mammogram they've ever had in their life, and it has saved their lives.' This underscores the program's critical role in facilitating early breast cancer detection.
