January 8, 2009
MBCHP to Send 15,000 Brochures to Energy Assistance Clients
A pair of Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) programs are teaming up to get the message out about free Pap tests and mammograms for eligible women.
The Montana Breast and Cervical Health Program (MBCHP) will mail approximately 15,000 program brochures to Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP) participants statewide encouraging women to enroll in the program to get screened, said MBCHP health education specialist Diane Arave.
January is Cervical Cancer Awareness Month and also a busy month for LIEAP enrollments. LIEAP is a program in the Human and Community Services Division for DPHHS.
The current economic times make this information even more valuable and relevant, Arave said. “Finances are tight for many families this winter,” she said. “The information we are providing can help ease the financial burden for people as the current economic situation has made the cost of some health care screening even more a barrier to uninsured women.”
The MBCHP hopes to enroll at least 100 women statewide in the program this month, Arave mentioned. “Women tend to put their own health last, caring for their families and their home first,” Arave said. “We want them to know about the importance of being screened and to know about this service.”
Urban Indian Centers and Reservation-based energy assistance programs are also participating. “Having access to the Montana Breast and Cervical Health Program offers American Indian Women the opportunity to be screened for cancer,” says Charlotte Kelley, MBCHP American Indian screening coordinator. “We tell all the women we serve that this screening could save their lives.”
DPHHS offers two programs aimed at helping low-income individuals reduce their heating costs. LIEAP pays part of winter energy bills for eligible people. Most utilities offer LIEAP recipients discounts on their bills. LIEAP serves about 19,000 households in Montana. The Weatherization Program helps participants to improve the heating efficiency of their homes and thus reduce their energy consumption.
“In December 2008, LIEAP participation increased 14 percent with January being the peak time for enrollment so the number of participants will be even higher,” said Jim Nolan, LIEAP director for DPHHS. To find out where to apply for energy assistance, contact the Montana Citizen's Advocate, toll-free at 1-800-332-2272.
Both MBCHP and LIEAP provide services in all 56 Montana counties.
Cervical and breast cancers can be treated more easily when detected early, that is why Pap tests and mammograms are so important, Arave said.
MBCHP services include Pap tests for eligible women ages 30 to 64 and mammograms for eligible women ages 40 to 64. Since the program’s inception in 1996, 19,894 Pap tests and 27,685 mammograms have been provided.
For more information about MBCHP, call toll free 1-888-803-9343 or contact Arave at 406-444-0927.
Page last updated: 01/08/2009
