County to increase mammogram program

By MARY ANN GREIER

LISBON - With nearly double the money from the Susan G. Komen organization this year, Columbiana County Health Department officials said they'll be able to help more women with free mammograms than ever before.

"Early detection is the key. If we can help just one family, then all of these efforts are worth it," said Wesley J. Vins, administrator/acting health commissioner for the Columbiana County General Health District.

The district health board was advised of the grant funding Wednesday.

With the combination of the Komen funding and the district's cancer clinic levy funding, he said, "We can do a lot of good in this community. It's a good opportunity for us to do what we love to do - help people."

The district received about $34,000 from Komen last year, with plans to offer free mammograms to at least 100 women and provide funding for 10 diagnostic procedures, which includes spot compressions and ultrasounds if something abnormal shows up on a mammogram. District nursing supervisor Barb Knee said they spent the full amount last year.

She said the goal for the increased funding is "to save more people - the need is out there."

Plans call for the funding to cover up to 170 free mammograms and 17 diagnostic procedures. The district already relies on levy funding to cover women who reside in the district, with the Komen funding filling the gap for women outside of the district in Salem, East Palestine and East Liverpool. Some of the funding also covers staff costs for outreach in those areas, including parts of Washingtonville which are in Mahoning County.

The grant covers from April 1 this year to March 31, 2010. Knee said the Komen goal is to turn Ohio pink, the color associated with the search for a cure, which is why Carroll County was included in the district's proposal, since that county has no one securing Komen funding. Pink teddy bears are presented to women who are diagnosed with breast cancer, with the district following their journey closely.

Last year overall, with the Komen funding and the levy, the district provided 570 mammograms, with 12 abnormal findings requiring followup procedures for spot compressions and ultrasounds. Knee explained that they also have a working relationship with the breast and cervical cancer program in Steubenville so women who need it can get a biopsy if necessary, although the district can't pay for that.

Health officials picked up their check last week in Cleveland where they had to display information about their program. The display was recreated for district board members during their meeting, with Knee noting the program's award from 2005 for the Ohio Department of Health Cancer Control Model and an award granted in 2008 for the Appalachian Model.

"Our county needs to be very, very proud of what we've done," she said.

Besides the mammograms, the cancer clinic holds screenings for cervical cancer, skin cancer and prostate cancer.

The next clinic is set for June 16, a psa screening for prostate cancer. Knee said their mantra is "remember to call and make an appointment for somebody you love."

To make an appointment, call the health department at 330-424-0272.

Mary Ann Greier can be reached at mgreier@salemnews.net