Ascension Sacred Heart Emerald Coast encourages women to take advantage of free annual mammogram screenings during Breast Cancer Awareness Month

This Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Ascension Sacred Heart is reminding women of their free mammogram program to provide critical breast cancer screenings to uninsured women 40 and older. Funding for the program comes from generous Sacred Heart Foundation donors. Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among women in Florida.

More than 50% of women living in Walton and Okaloosa Counties did not get an annual screening as recommended. In Walton County, nearly 40% of breast cancer cases are diagnosed in advanced stages, and in Okaloosa County, that number is just over 30%. According to the American Cancer Society, the 5-year relative survival rate for breast cancer is 99% when it’s detected early and remains localized.

“Offering mammograms for women who can’t pay for screening is a significant step to helping eliminate barriers and start treatment sooner to improve outcomes,” said Trey Abshier, President and CEO of Ascension Sacred Heart Emerald Coast. “We can provide the care women need close to home with clinically appropriate screening and diagnostic tools for breast cancer, including 3D mammography, breast ultrasound, and biopsy.”

Eligibility and Scheduling

The free mammogram program is available to women who:

• Reside in Walton or Okaloosa County

• Are 40 years of age or older

• Are uninsured

• Are seeking a preventive care screening and have no current breast health symptoms

• Have seen a primary care clinician within the last year

Women who meet the above requirements can schedule an appointment by calling the breast navigator at 850-278-3063.

To support this program with your generous donations to the Sacred Heart Foundation, visit givesacredheart.org.

Ascension Sacred Heart Emerald Coast offers two convenient locations to get your annual mammogram screening with Women’s Centers in Santa Rosa Beach and Watersound. To make an appointment, visit ascension.org/SacredHeartMammogram.