Ladies Night Out: Do You Qualify for a Free Mammogram

In Buncombe County, more than 300 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer this year, according to the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services. October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and Buncombe County wants its residents to know about the Breast and Cervical Cancer Control Program (BCCCP). One aspect of that initiative is Ladies’ Night Out (LNO), an event aimed at breast cancer awareness and prevention. “The LNO program provides free mammograms, breast exams, and cholesterol and glucose blood testing,” explains Wanda Anderson, the BCCCP coordinator.

“LNO is for the uninsured and underinsured, ages 40-64 that meet the financial guidelines and are Buncombe County residents. We also provide transportation and childcare for the ladies that may need these services.”

And LNO is making a huge difference in our community. Beyond early detection, the County will help offset medical expenses for breast cancer patients that are diagnosed through the program. In fact, Anderson says LNO has diagnosed about 50 women with breast cancer and subsequently approved them for BCCCP Medicaid that pays for all associated care correlated to breast cancer. “This allowed them access to services they may not have been able to receive otherwise. They are able to focus on their health and not have to worry about treatment cost,” says Anderson.

So far, more than 5,000 women have gone through the LNO program. “We have a very loyal group of volunteers and they enjoy getting to know our ladies and provide help with any questions they may have about their health,” explains Anderson. “The most important aspect of the program is early detection. The earlier breast cancer is detected the more treatable it is.”

If you or someone you know could benefit from screenings at LNO please get in touch with the Buncombe County Health Department at (828) 250-6006.

Ladies’ Night Out

Ladies’ Night Out (LNO) is the first Thursday night of each month providing free breast exams and mammograms. This is a scheduled event that takes place the first Thursday of each month at Mission Imaging Services, located at 534 Biltmore Ave., Asheville NC 28801.

LNO is free if you:

• Are age 40-64
• Have limited income
• Have limited or no insurance
• Live in Buncombe County

You may quality for the following services:

• Breast & Cervical Exams
• Mammograms
• Blood Pressure & Cholesterol Screenings
• Health Counseling & Education
• Transportation

Interpreter Services are available.

You must call for an appointment. Learn more about LNO by calling the Buncombe County Health Department at (828) 250-6006.