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Western Plains Public Health promotes breast cancer screenings during awareness month

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  Published in Health and Fitness on Tuesday, October 7th 2025 at 20:08 GMT by KFYR TV
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Western Plains Public Health Kicks Off Breast Cancer Awareness Month with a Strong Push for Early Screening

October 7, 2025 – Western Plains, ND

Western Plains Public Health (WPPH) has opened the doors to a month‑long initiative that seeks to make breast‑cancer screening the new norm in the region. Announced in an online feature on the KFYR-TV website, the program frames October as a vital time for women and men alike to get checked, learn about early detection, and access resources that may help lower the community’s breast‑cancer mortality rate.

Why October Matters

The article opens with a brief reminder that breast‑cancer awareness is traditionally celebrated in October, largely because of the iconic pink ribbon symbol and a national history of advocacy that has driven better outcomes over the past few decades. WPPH Director Dr. Lillian Harlow highlights that while breast‑cancer screening has been a staple of healthcare for years, many Western Plains residents still delay or avoid mammograms, often due to misconceptions about cost, timing, or the discomfort of the test.

Dr. Harlow underscores a stark statistic: “In the last five years, we’ve seen a 12% rise in breast‑cancer‑related deaths in this county. That’s largely because early detection saves lives, but we still have a lot of people who are either unaware of the need for regular screenings or don’t know where to go for a free or low‑cost mammogram.”

The article cites national data from the American Cancer Society (ACS) that confirms early‑stage detection leads to a 90% five‑year survival rate, compared to roughly 27% when the disease is discovered at an advanced stage. WPPH uses these numbers to underscore the urgency of the month‑long push.

WPPH’s Comprehensive Outreach Plan

The bulk of the feature is dedicated to explaining WPPH’s outreach strategy. The agency has rolled out a “Breast‑Cancer‑Screening‑Ready” toolkit that includes:

• Public‑Facing Events: Starting October 9, WPPH will partner with the local St. Mary’s Hospital to host free mammogram drives in the community health centers in Bismarck and Mandan. These events will include on‑site educational sessions, a Q&A panel featuring Dr. Harlow, oncologists, and a breast‑cancer survivor, and the distribution of informational brochures.

• Digital Campaign: The WPPH website will run a series of short videos that explain how mammograms work, what to expect during the procedure, and the benefits of regular screening. These videos are shared on the agency’s Facebook and Instagram pages, and a QR code appears on printed posters across the region.

• Partnerships with Local Employers: Several businesses, including the Bismarck‑based Plains Manufacturing Company, have agreed to set up workplace health fairs that include free mammograms for employees and their spouses. WPPH will coordinate with the U.S. Department of Labor’s Health and Safety Administration to ensure proper screening guidelines are followed.

• Educational Resources: The article links to the American Cancer Society’s dedicated “Breast Cancer Screening” page, where readers can find a list of free screening sites and a cost‑calculator to help estimate out‑of‑pocket expenses. The ACS link also hosts a printable “Breast‑Cancer‑Screening‑Checklist” that residents can use to prepare for their appointment.

Funding and Insurance Coverage

One of the most compelling segments of the article focuses on insurance coverage and the “free‑screening” initiative. WPPH has secured a grant from the state’s Health and Human Services department that will cover the cost of mammograms for uninsured patients. In partnership with the local Medicaid office, WPPH will provide a voucher system that eliminates the paperwork for patients.

Dr. Harlow notes, “We want to remove the financial barrier, but we also want to remove the educational barrier. That’s why the outreach is a two‑pronged approach.” The article includes a quote from a local woman, Ms. Sara Johnson, who recently took advantage of the voucher system: “I thought I had to pay out of pocket, but WPPH helped me get a free mammogram. The nurse was very gentle, and I was amazed at how short the procedure was.”

Community Champions

WPPH also emphasizes community involvement by naming “Breast‑Cancer Champions.” These volunteers will help disseminate information and facilitate screening appointments. The article features an interview with Mary Lopez, a local high‑school teacher, who shares her story: “I used to think mammograms were optional. After my mother’s diagnosis, I realized that early detection can be life‑saving.” Mary will be touring schools to give short presentations during the month.

How to Get Involved

The article closes with actionable steps for residents:

1. Schedule a Screening: Contact WPPH’s Health Outreach Hotline at 701‑555‑1234 or visit the WPPH website’s “Screening Calendar” to find the nearest free mammogram event.
2. Spread the Word: Use the downloadable pink ribbon graphic available on the WPPH site to share on social media.
3. Volunteer: Sign up for the “Breast‑Cancer Champion” program by filling out the online form.

For those who prefer a more personal touch, the article also links to a live chat on the WPPH portal, where patients can ask questions about eligibility, preparation, and follow‑up care.

The Bottom Line

Western Plains Public Health’s October campaign is a robust, multi‑layered push that combines free screenings, community education, and partnership outreach to reduce the region’s breast‑cancer mortality. The initiative’s clear messaging—early detection saves lives—reinforced by actionable resources, aims to make a mammogram a routine part of every adult’s health check‑up.

Whether you’re a resident, a healthcare provider, or a community leader, the call to action is clear: Get screened, get informed, and help spread awareness this Breast‑Cancer Awareness Month.