Catalina is More Than Pink Walk & Paddle event is Sept. 28
Courtesy of Catalina Island Health
Catalina Island Health has partnered with Alinea Medical Imaging to bring mobile mammogram screenings to the island. The mobile screening unit will be parked on Crescent Avenue near the Bluewater Grill on Saturday, Sept. 27 and Sunday, Sept. 28. Appointments are available from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days.
A mammogram is an X-ray of the breast tissue. It is the most effective screening test used today to detect breast cancer at an early stage – up to 2 years earlier than other methods, according to the American Cancer Society. The earlier it is detected, the easier it is to treat and the better chance for survival.
According to National Comprehensive Cancer Network Guidelines all women 40 or over should get checked. Most private health insurance plans, Medicare, and Medi-Cal cover screenings at no out-of-pocket cost. CIH encourages all who are interested, to check their insurance plan on what is covered and if a referral, doctors order or prior authorization is required. If any of those are required, be sure to reach out to your primary care doctor prior to the screening event.
For women under the age of 40, factors such as a strong family history, BRCA mutation, or even dense breasts create a higher risk for breast cancer, and your doctor may recommend getting screened. In that case, a doctor’s order is required. Self-pay will also be required if insurance will not cover exams for women under 40.
If you do not have insurance, you may be eligible to receive a free screening courtesy of California’s Cancer Detection Program “Every Woman Counts” through the state Department of Health Care Services.
To qualify for the free screening, the individual must: be 40 years of age or older, have a low household income and no insurance. The individual will be asked to fill out paperwork at the screening event and Alinea will determine if the requirements are met.
If you do not have insurance and you do not qualify for a free screening, you may self-pay.
Results will be given within 14 business days.
Appointments are encouraged and can be made by calling 909-622-3166 or by visiting https://catalinaislandhealth.org/mobile-mammogram-screenings-sept-27-28/.
Walk-ups are also welcome but will be first come, first served.
Items to bring: ID, insurance card, and any referral, order or other paperwork for your primary care doctor that is related to the screening.
Catalina is More Than Pink Walk & Paddle
As we approach October, which is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Avalon comes together to bring awareness about breast cancer, honor its survivors, and raise funds to support the incredible work done by the Susan G. Komen Foundation.
All are welcome to join the Catalina is More Than Pink Walk & Paddle event. Meet at the Wrigley Stage in the center of Avalon at noon on Sunday, Sept. 28.
Participants are encouraged to wear pink and bring any flags, noisemakers, and pink ribbon related items for the walk. Once the group is together, the walk will commence and head from the Wrigley Stage area to the Casino for a photo op and then back along the waterfront and out to the Cabrillo Mole (where the ferry boats dock) for an additional photo op and then back to the Wrigley Stage area.
The paddle takes place at the same time and roughly follows the same path as the walk except on the water within Avalon Harbor.
To register, create a team to raise funds and/or find out more information, visit info-komen.org/goto/CatalinaIslandTeam
CIH officials thanked Avalon Freight Services for donating the shipment of the mobile unit to and from the island and the City of Avalon for waiving the permit fees.
Additional thanks went to Yolanda at the Susan G. Komen Foundation, the team at Love Catalina Island, Councilmember Yesenia De La Rosa, and Yoli Say for their support and partnership in making the entire Breast Cancer Awareness weekend happen.
The hospital’s main number is 310-510-0700. For more information, visit CatalinaIslandHealth.org.
