WAUSAU — The Aspirus Health Foundation has received a $25,000 grant from Susan G. Komen Wisconsin® to continue offering a breast health program through Aspirus Women’s Health.

The program provides free screening and diagnostic breast services for women and men who would otherwise forgo these services because of the cost. Since the program began in 2008, it has provided free services and education to over 2,000 women, according to an Aspirus news release.

“This tremendous gift from Komen will support those who cannot afford breast cancer screening and those who defer screening or testing due to high out of pocket expenses,” said Aspirus Women’s Health Outreach Coordinator Mary Noltemeyer Wachtl in the release. “This support allows us to continue our efforts to prevent and detect breast cancer at an early stage, and ultimately promote the health of the people we serve in north central Wisconsin.”

Aspirus’ breast health program provides free screening and diagnostic services to eligible residents in Marathon, Langlade, Lincoln, Wood, Portage, Taylor and western Shawano counties, including:

  • Clinical breast exam
  • Screening mammogram
  • Diagnostic mammogram
  • Breast ultrasound
  • Breast MRI
  • Breast biopsy (or cyst aspiration as part of diagnostic workup) guided by ultrasound, stereotactic or MRI
  • Interpreter services
  • Assistance with transportation

Eligible participants can receive these services as needed at no cost to them through March 31, 2019, or until funds are exhausted. Services will be offered at any Aspirus location in the region that is convenient to the patient including Aspirus Wausau Hospital, Aspirus Clinics, Aspirus Langlade Hospital (Antigo), Aspirus Medford Hospital, Aspirus Doctors Clinic and Aspirus Riverview Hospital & Clinics (Wisconsin Rapids), Aspirus Weston Clinic and through the Aspirus Mobile Mammogram unit in Merrill, Stevens Point and Wittenberg.

Registration is required to determine eligibility for the program. Those with health insurance can qualify for the program. Registration is required to determine eligibility for the program. For more information and to register, call the Aspirus Information Center at 715-847-2380 or 800-847-4707. Information also is available online at aspirus.org/freemammogram.