Senator Jen Metzger Teams Up with Planned Parenthood Mid-Hudson Valley to Provide Free Breast Cancer Screenings in Honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Monticello, NY...State Senator Jen Metzger (SD-42) has partnered with the Monticello Health Center of Planned Parenthood Mid-Hudson Valley (PPMHV) to provide free breast cancer screenings for uninsured and underinsured New Yorkers on Wednesday, October 16, from 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm. The exams will be provided by health care practitioners at the health center, located at 14 Prince Street. Metzger, who represents Sullivan County and serves on the Senate Health and Women’s Issues Committees, will be on-site at 4:45 pm to thank the practitioners who are extending their work hours to provide this important service to the community. 

“One in eight women will develop breast cancer in the course of her lifetime, and early detection practices, including clinical breast exams, mammograms, and self-exams, can save lives," said Senator Metzger. "I am so grateful to the dedicated health experts at the Monticello Health Center for partnering with my office to provide free clinical breast exams to area residents and for the vital work they do every day to help people access the health care they need and deserve. I urge my constituents to take advantage of the breast cancer screenings being offered on October 16 and to pass the information on to their loved ones who may also benefit.”

Ruth-Ellen Blodgett, President, and CEO of Planned Parenthood Mid-Hudson Valley said, “Planned Parenthood of Mid-Hudson Valley is proud to provide lifesaving breast exams to anyone who walks through our doors, regardless of their ability to pay.  People who struggle to make ends meet should never be denied vital health care, including cancer screenings. We are lucky to have a partner like Senator Metzger, who understands the importance of access to health care."

Among women, breast cancer is the second most commonly diagnosed cancer and the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States. In New York, approximately 16,000 women are diagnosed with breast cancer each year and nearly 2,500 die from the disease. Breast exams improve the chances of finding breast cancer early, and the earlier breast cancer is found, the easier it is to treat. During Senator Metzger’s Breast Cancer Screening event on October 16, practitioners at the Monticello Health Center will also refer clients to mammograms and further diagnostic tests as needed.

Those interested in receiving a clinical breast exam on Wednesday, October 16, at the Monticello Health Center (located at 14 Prince Street) are advised to call Planned Parenthood at (845) 562-7800 to schedule an appointment during the 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm slot allotted for free exams. Walk-ins are also welcome.

The Monticello Health Center provides area residents with affordable access to a variety of health services including mental health services, screening for substance use disorder with referrals for treatment, pap tests, STD tests and treatment, miscarriage care, and screening for cholesterol, high blood pressure, and diabetes. If a client does not have insurance coverage, a sliding fee scale based on the client's income is used to determine if a fee will be charged.