See, Test and Treat event in Holmes County offers free screening

Published on Monday, July 22, 2024

By: Jewell Davis, jdavis25@umc.edu

Photos By: Joe Ellis/ UMMC Communications

To combat health care disparities and promote early detection of cervical and breast cancers, the University of Mississippi Medical Center’s Cancer Center and Research Institute (CCRI) will host a crucial screening event in Holmes County.

Like many rural areas, Holmes County faces significant health care disparities due to limited access to medical facilities and providers.

As a result, the region’s health outcomes are below both the state and national averages.

The See, Test and Treat event represents a significant step towards addressing health care disparities, promoting early detection and improving community health outcomes. Residents will have access to screenings that are otherwise difficult to access locally.

CCRI and the College of American Pathologists Foundation are hosting the event on Aug. 10 from 8-11 a.m. on the third floor of UMMC Holmes County, located at 239 Bowling Green Road in Lexington. 

Early detection of diseases such as breast and cervical cancer is critical for improving treatment outcomes and survival rates. By hosting the screening event in Holmes County, organizers ensure that residents can detect health issues early, when interventions are most effective.

The screening event also removes financial barriers by offering free or low-cost screenings locally.

“See, Test, and Treat gives patients an opportunity to learn about their health and empowers women to take charge of their well-being. The knowledge women gain throughout the event dispels any fears that women have about undergoing a pap smear and mammogram, receiving their results and follow up if an abnormality is discovered,” said Dr. Lisa Haynie, professor in the School of Nursing. “In addition, the worry associated with financial burden and receiving follow-up care is mitigated because there are representatives on-site who assist patients in navigating the health care system.”

Moreover, the event will offer comprehensive health services, including educating residents about the importance of regular screenings and healthy lifestyle choices, which promote long-term health improvements.

“I am very excited about continuing this event and being able to reach out further beyond the Jackson metro area to hopefully make an impact in underserved areas,” said Bethany Sabins, nurse practitioner in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology. “As a nurse practitioner that works in gynecologic oncology, my goal with these events is to prevent women from becoming our patient with cervical cancer, as well as educate them on the importance of cervical cancer screening.”

Ultimately, See, Test and Treat underscores a commitment to equitable health care access and proactive health management across communities.

“Hosting the event in Holmes County is critical because it brings essential health care services directly to the heart of the community,” said Bridget Hardrick, human resources coordinator for UMMC Holmes County. “By providing these screenings locally, we ensure that everyone has the opportunity for early detection and better health outcomes.”

Registration is now open for this UMMC Cancer Center and Research Institute’s See, Test and Treat event, which is only open to women of the following Holmes County communities: Durant, West, Goodman, Pickens, Lexington and Tchula. Potential participants can call 601-496-5338 to determine eligibility and to schedule an appointment.