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MARIETTA – Memorial Health System received $80,000 in grant funding from the Claude Worthington Benedum Foundation that will assist eligible patients with free breast cancer screening and mammography services.

Eligible patients are those located in rural northwestern West Virginia, according to a release from Memorial Health System.

The funds will go towards raising awareness for early breast cancer detection as well as expanding access to those resources.

“The Benedum Foundation is proud to support this effort,” said Benedum Foundation Vice President and Program Director Kim Tieman. “Improving access to preventive care is one of the most effective ways to strengthen health in rural West Virginia.”

According to the release, the grant will support the launch of the Free Mammogram Breast Screening Program, which serves West Virginia residents.

The program will support more than 400 free screening mammograms with follow-up testing for patients as needed.

There will also be patient navigation services and community outreach opportunities to better meet patients’ needs.

Mammography services are available at the Sisterville General Hospital and the Memorial Health System Marietta and Belpre locations.

“This grant allows us to reach patients who might otherwise delay or skip screening,” said Sistersville General Hospital Administrator Jason Suter. “By making mammograms free and available close to home, we can help find cancer earlier and improve outcomes for individuals in our communities.”

According to the release, about 1,500 individuals are diagnosed with breast cancer each year. Residents in rural West Virginia live 30-50 miles from the nearest mammogram site. The Free Mammogram Breast Screening Program would bring free breast cancer screenings closer to those rural residents.

Eligible patients will be connected to the free screening program with assistance from their primary care provider at Memorial Health System.

Amber Phipps can be reached at aphipps@newsandsentinel.com