Low-Income Northern Arizona Women Can Access Colposcopy Services at Planned Parenthood Arizona
For Immediate Release: Jan. 30, 2014
PHOENIX – In October 2011, Planned Parenthood Arizona was awarded a grant from the Forest Highlands Foundation, who is a collaborator with the Flagstaff Community Foundation, so low-income women in the community could access testing for follow-up of abnormal Pap smears.
The $7,000 grant was awarded to offer no-cost and/or reduced cost for advanced diagnostic testing, biopsy and treatment for up to ten women who have an abnormal pap smear. The purpose of this grant is to help provide cancer prevention screening and treatment programs to those women in Arizona who do not have access to such life-saving programs. Access to quality care and treatment is essential for cancer patients; given the urgency in detecting cancerous cells at the very earliest stages.
"We still have funds available to serve eligible women in the community," says Candace Ryan-Schmid, Center Manager for the Planned Parenthood Flagstaff Health Center. "We encourage women who have had an abnormal Pap smear to contact us. We are here for you."
About 60 percent of the women served at Planned Parenthood health centers have no health insurance. ADHS reports that uninsured and/or low income women are at a greater risk for cancer due in large part to more limited access to providers and resources. Through this grant, Planned Parenthood is able to provide this service to those clients who need it most.
The Flagstaff Health Center is located at 1304 South Plaza Way, offering a wide variety of reproductive health services, such as annual exams for men and women, STD testing and treatment, birth control, and more, including colposcopy. For more information or to make an appointment, call toll-free 855.207.PLAN (7526).
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In the community for 78 years, Planned Parenthood Arizona is the leading sexual health organization in Arizona. The organization provides health care, education and outreach services to more than 90,000 men, women, teens and parents annually. Planned Parenthood Arizona operates health center locations statewide in Phoenix, Tucson, Flagstaff, Prescott Valley and Yuma. For more information, please visit www.ppaz.org.