The Archuleta County Public Health Department (ACPHD) will begin offering its Women’s Wellness Clinic (WWC) on Thursday, Oct. 24, and Nov. 21, by appointment only.
WWC clinic days will be offered once a month. These services are available to women ages 21-64, geared toward the uninsured and underinsured, and are income-based.
Since opening in January, the ACPHD has worked to add more services for those in the community who are either uninsured or underinsured. The WWC is the latest of these services and arrived in October, which is also Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Cancer screenings are important for the sheer fact that early detection can save lives.
Because women are especially vulnerable to various types of cancer, it is recommended they receive regular exams to catch pre-cancers and cancers early before they have a chance to spread.
In addition to breast, the WWC also offers papanicolaou test (PAP) smears and human papillomavirus (HPV) testing.
“Archuleta County Public Health is committed to screening and prevention services,” explained ACPHD Executive Director Ashley Wilson. “We hope to continue to build that part of our program as we grow. We know that screening can catch things early, which helps both with treatment success and prolonging life.”
Residents of Archuleta County can find out if they qualify by calling (970) 264-2409, or by emailing adminACPHD@archuletacounty.org.
The ACPHD offers many services to the public. Just to name a few, check out the tobacco prevention program designed to help clients quit smoking; learn breastfeeding tips through the Women, Infant and Children, or WIC program; or inquire about SafeCare, a voluntary home visiting program that provides direct, one-on-one parenting skills training for parents and caregivers of children aged 5 and younger.
To learn more about services currently being offered by ACPHD, visit archuletacounty.org/publichealth or call (970) 264-2409.
