CHA's See, Test & Treat Event Provides Free Cancer Screenings
CHA Volunteers Offer Health Services to 70+ Women and Gender-Diverse People
CAMBRIDGE, Mass. — On Friday, October 23, Cambridge Health Alliance (CHA), a community health system serving Cambridge, Somerville and Boston's metro-north communities, hosted See, Test & Treat, a program that provides free health screenings for uninsured and underinsured women and gender-diverse people from hard to reach populations, including people who are housing insecure or homeless and those who have delayed/postponed critical screenings.
See, Test & Treat, an annual event supported by the College of American Pathologists Foundation (CAP), offers institutions across the US with funding to host programs that strive to break down the barriers experienced by medically underserved individuals. See, Test & Treat has held more than 120 programs and screened almost 10,000 patients nationwide, over 90 percent of whom are uninsured, underinsured or living in medically underserved areas that present many barriers to accessing health screenings. The College of American Pathologists Foundation selected CHA to offer this day of free health services for women and gender-diverse people for the ninth year.
To date, See, Test & Treat at CHA has screened more than 530 patients for breast cancer, cervical cancer and several other life-saving screenings, removing multiple barriers to care for medically underserved populations in our area, but also connecting them with vital information, resources and follow-up care so that they can continue to access resources that help them stay healthy after leaving the program.
For people without insurance or adequate coverage, getting regular breast and pelvic exams is often impossible. See, Test & Treat helps women and gender-diverse people who are not covered get these essential tests done all in one day, sometimes detecting early cancers and saving lives. This year, 71 patients received free screenings including cervical cancer, breast/chest cancer, and oral health, along with access to many health services and financial assistance. CHA volunteers performed 52 pap smears, 12 oral health screens, 41 mammograms, 13 STI/HIV tests, 21 blood pressure screenings, and other tests.
The CAP Foundation's See, Test & Treat Outstanding Partner Award recognizes and honors a non-pathologist for their contributions and service in support of the See, Test & Treat Program. This year's winner was CHA Chief Community Officer Douglas Kress, who has been helping lead this program for the last four years. Doug has been instrumental in coordinating events that provide vital cancer screenings and health services to vulnerable populations, including those with housing insecurities, immigrants, and mental health challenges. His innovative approach to community outreach, volunteer coordination, and partnership-building has ensured the success of these events.
"It is an honor to receive this award from CAP," Doug said. "This is truly a group effort and the success of the event would not happen without the numerous staff and volunteers. This event is one example of how CHA comes together to support our patients and communities."