02/27/2022
The Connecticut Department of Public Health has provided more funds to support the high volume of breast and cervical cancer screenings provided by Nuvance Health
Picture (Left to Right) – Early Detection Program Team: Lisa Alves, Katie Hernandez and Alba Wong
The Connecticut Department of Public Health (DPH) has awarded Nuvance Health an additional $65,000 for its breast cancer and cervical cancer early detection program (EDP) due to the high number of screenings the health system has performed — even during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Through the EDP, Nuvance Health provides preventive and risk-reducing healthcare services for 800 to 1,110 women every year at no cost to them.
The Connecticut Breast & Cervical Cancer EDP and Well-Integrated Screening & Evaluation for Women across the Nation Program (WISEWOMAN cardiovascular) are for medically underserved women between the ages of 21 to 64 in Connecticut. These federal and state funded programs through DPH fully cover the cost of screenings, diagnostic tests and referrals for treatment. These healthcare services include:
- Clinical breast and gynecologic exams
- Breast screenings and diagnostic imaging including mammograms, ultrasounds and biopsies
- Cervical cancer screenings including HPV and Pap tests and diagnostic tests such as colposcopies
- Surgical consultations
- Cardiovascular screenings
Participants who also qualify for WISEWOMAN services have access to diabetes, general health and nutrition counseling, and gym memberships.
Danbury Hospital started collaborating with Connecticut’s EDP more than 20 years ago. The program has expanded to its New Milford Hospital campus and Norwalk Hospital to reach more women.
“Health screenings are very important. Breast cancer screenings may result in early detection and better outcomes. Cervical cancer screenings may prevent the disease from developing in the first place,” said Lisa Alves, RN, program director and clinical navigator of the EDP.
“Many women who qualify for the EDP may not seek these potentially life-saving health screenings because of financial, cultural or educational barriers. The EDP aims to overcome these barriers through community outreach activities, meeting women where they are and assessing their individual concerns and needs,” said Alves, who also provides case management for EDP participants.
Many departments at Nuvance Health work together to ensure a seamless experience for participants, including community outreach; financial services; imaging and radiology; surgery; and case management.
“We are very grateful for DPH’s ongoing partnership and Nuvance Health’s multispecialty teamwork that enable us to consistently provide critical healthcare services to women in Connecticut,” said Alves.
To learn more about Nuvance Health’s EDP, please call the main office at (203) 739-4770 or email Lisa.Alves@nuvancehealth.org.
Learn more about Nuvance Health Cancer Institute cancer screening and prevention services.