Free mammograms and breast ultrasounds for uninsured!
 |
Mercy Foundation North raises funds for, manages, and distributes dollars for a fund that covers the costs of mammograms and breast ultrasounds for women in Siskiyou County who do not have health insurance.
The fund was started by local “Bunko” groups who donate their winnings during Breast Cancer Awareness month. The fund has grown through donations from Mountain Counties Supply Company, Mercy Medical Center Mt. Shasta employees, and a golf tournament is scheduled for October 9, 2010.
Given the economic downturn and subsequent government budget cuts, we have seen a significant increase in the number of uninsured women coming to us in need. One patient who used the fund said the following: “For the first time in my life I find myself without health insurance. This is scary to me because in 2006 my sister passed away from breast cancer, my mother is a breast cancer survivor and I am 55. My risk of breast cancer is very high so I am diligent about getting my annual mammogram. I called the Imaging Center to find out what the cost of the procedure would be. I explained my situation and was told that there was a way for me to get a mammogram without cost through a thing called the "Bunko Fund". They gave me the number and I called, thinking I would have to jump though hoops to get this mammogram. To my surprise there were no hoops. I made my appointment, got my mammogram (which was normal!) and I feel great. Thank you Bunko Fund!”
If you would like to donate to this fund or need more information about the program please contact Alisa Johnson, Mercy Foundation North Siskiyou County Development Officer, at 530.926.9318.
Mercy Foundation North is a non-profit 501(c)(3) philanthropic organization sponsored by the Sisters of Mercy of the Americas West/Midwest Communities. In order to further the Sisters' mission to serve the poor, the sick, and the uneducated, the Foundation seeks to raise funds to support the Sisters' health care, educational, and social ministries in the Shasta, Siskiyou, and Tehama communities. In collaboration with the Sisters and those who share their vision, the Foundation seeks to alleviate poverty, anguish, and suffering regardless of a person's race, gender, creed, age, or national origin.
