PROTECTING AND PROMOTING WOMEN’S HEALTH: RITCHIE, SAMARITAN MEDICAL CENTER TO OFFER FREE MAMMOGRAMS AND CLINICAL BREAST EXAMS

Continuing her efforts to protect and promote women’s health, State Senator Patty Ritchie is announcing she is teaming up with Samaritan Medical Center to offer free mammograms and clinical breast exams to women throughout the North Country.

Made possible through $15,000 in funding secured by Senator Ritchie, the free screenings will be available by appointment on November 17th and 19th at Samaritan Medical Plaza’s “Woman to Woman,” located at 1575 Washington St. in Watertown.

“Studies have shown that early detection tests for breast cancer save thousands of lives each and every year,” said Senator Ritchie.

“I’m pleased to provide funding for these critical screenings and to team up with Samaritan Medical Center to protect the health of women in the North Country.”

“It’s estimated that three in 10 women over the age of 40 haven’t had a recommended mammogram in the last two years,” said Krista A. Kittle,  Samaritan Medical Center spokeswoman.

“We’re excited to partner with Senator Ritchie in an effort to improve the health of women in our region and provide them with the vital screenings they need to detect breast cancer at its earliest stage, when it’s most treatable.”

Women age 30 and older with no current breast disease are eligible to receive a free mammogram and clinical breast exam.  Appointments are required, and those interested in receiving a free screening can call (315) 785-4155 to schedule.

Senator Ritchie’s partnering with Samaritan Medical Center to offer free mammograms and clinical breast exams builds on her other efforts to promote women’s health in Central and Northern New York.  Last month, she sponsored “The Power of Pink,” a special event taking place at Oswego Health that featured free mammograms and clinical breast examinations, as well as a special presentation by experts on prevention and treatment.

Earlier this week, Senator Ritchie announced a free “Women’s Wellness Evening” at Claxton-Hepburn Medical Center in Ogdensburg that will take place on November 18th and will feature free breast cancer screenings, lung cancer screenings, presentations on women’s health and more.