OSWEGO NY – Oswego County Opportunities’ honorary Head Pin for OCO’s upcoming Bowl-A-Fun, “The Pink Guardian Angel,” discovered the benefits of the many health screenings that are available through OCO’s Cancer Services Program when it visited the program’s offices in the OCO’s Oswego Health Center, 10 George St.
OCO’s Cancer Services Program provides cancer screenings for uninsured and underinsured residents of Oswego County.
These include clinical breast exams and mammograms, colorectal screening kits, pap and pelvic exams, as well as education on breast, colorectal and cervical health.
In addition, Cancer Services Program Coordinator, Carolyn Handville is also certified to enroll clients into the Medicaid Cancer Treatment Program, which covers patients’ cancer treatment once diagnosed.
“The screenings and services that we offer are essential tools in the fight against cancer. We provide our consumers with knowledge about the disease, how to access medical care and insurance, and encourage them to receive the cancer screenings they need free of charge,” said Handville.
That ability to receive these potentially life-saving cancer screenings is not taken for granted by those who access them.
Jeannene Bolen routinely received her yearly mammogram until she found herself without health insurance.
“I really didn’t know what I was going to do. I didn’t want to put off having my mammogram, but I didn’t know how I was going to able to pay for it,” she said.
Having friends who have had cancer, and knowing how important screenings are, Bolen was concerned about how she would be able to have her annual mammogram, however she soon found the answer.
“I noticed an ad for OCO’s Cancer Services Program that mentioned that they offered free mammograms to uninsured residents of Oswego County. I contacted them to get more information and I discovered that they also provided pap and pelvic exams and colorectal screenings as well. I had all of the screenings done and I was thrilled. It was almost like Christmas morning. I received these screenings free of charge and they even gave me a $15 gift card for completing all three screenings. Carolyn and her assistant, Katie, were great and everyone was wonderful to me. I’m thankful that I discovered OCO’s Cancer Services Program,” she said.
The Pink Guardian Angel is visiting various OCO sites throughout Oswego County as it reminds community members about OCO’s 10th annual Bowl-A-Fun and the announcement of the winner of the Golden Opportunities raffle that will take place on April 2 at Lakeview Lanes in Fulton.
A private, non-profit agency, OCO’s many programs touch the lives of more than 28,000 Oswego County residents each year.
One of Oswego County’s largest employers, OCO employs more than 650 people and boasts a volunteer force of 1,000.
Now in its 45th year, OCO continues to build partnerships and is on a roll as it strives to improve the quality of life in Oswego County by helping people, supporting communities and changing lives.
For more information, visit www.oco.org
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