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Free programs provide screenings to uninsured
By Janice A. Youngwith
There are many programs that provide uninsured and underinsured women with free mammograms and clinical breast exams.
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| Breast Cancer Network of Strength's staff provides a wealth of resources for those seeking information. |
Help at your fingertips
Talk to someone who has walked in your shoes
24-hour YourShoes (tm) Peer support & hotline
Call (800) 221-2141 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Staffed by specially trained peer counselors, all breast cancer survivors, who can provide information, support and access to thousands of resources, programs and information in 150 different languages
(800) 986-9505 (Spanish)
24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Special hotline for Spanish-speaking callers.
Breast Cancer Network of Strength Web site
www.networkofstrength.org
National home page, accessible in English, Spanish, Polish Chinese, Russian, Korean, Tagolog and Vietnamese formats, includes news and information on breast health and breast cancer, facts and figures, links to additional resources, and more:
• Peer To Peer monthly e-mail newsletter
• Register for ShareRing Network (tm) free monthly teleconference programs
• Free informational brochures, booklets
• Before The Pink Ribbon booklet
• Inspirational stories of survivorship
• Advocacy Alerts
• Online community message boards
• My Breast Cancer Coach tool designed to help women better understand the disease and treatment options
• Interactive question and answer opportunities
• Activities, events and fundraising opportunities.
• Illinois Affiliate Web site www.networkofstrength.org/illinois
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If you have trouble accessing one of the services below, or need additional help getting preventive breast cancer screenings, call the program department at Breast Cancer Network of Strength Illinois at (312) 364-9071.
Breast Cancer Network of Strength Illinois offers the following program and services at no charge to those concerned about breast cancer:
Support Groups and Open Door Educational Sessions
Groups for patients, survivors or family members. They are facilitated by breast cancer survivors or social/heath service providers. Special population groups are available.
A Day for You Program
This program works to bring uninsured women to local hospitals for clinical screenings, mammography and education on breast health.
If a patient receives an abnormal result, follow up and patient navigation services are made available.
Sharon Rose Wig and Prosthesis Salon
Wigs, hats, scarves, breast prosthetics and prosthetic bras are available at no cost to breast cancer patients. A trained fitter is on staff to make sure women are properly fitted.
Mobile Salon
The mobile salon travels to local hospitals and community agencies in the Chicago and Springfield areas providing free wigs, prosthesis and bras to breast cancer survivors.
Advocacy Network
This program provides information about state and federal policy that relates to rights and regulations of breast cancer patients and research dollars. The Advocacy Network works to support policies that positively impact those facing breast cancer.
Adult Education Programs
Comprehensive breast health workshops are provided to anyone interested in breast health awareness.
Facilitators are trained to provide information on the three-pronged approach to early detection, breast cancer basics and information about Network of Strength Services.
Teen Education Program
The "Just for Teens" workshop emphasizes the importance of breast self exam and early detection.
Facilitators are breast cancer survivors, specially trained to deliver information that is age appropriate.
Gerry Weinberg Resource Library
A breast cancer resource center offers books, pamphlets, video and audio cassettes, and medical articles. An online catalog and "Gerry's Breast Cancer Books by Mail" make these resources easily accessible.
Volunteers
A variety of volunteer opportunities are available at Breast Cancer Network of Strength Illinois, including workshop or program facilitators and special event volunteers.
Web site
Information about support services, including an up-to-date calendar and local community resources for breast cancer patients are at www.networkofstrength.org/illinois.
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