October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a time to emphasize the importance of early detection in the fight against breast cancer. At Jackson County Public Health (JCPH), we are committed to ensuring that all women, regardless of income or insurance status, have access to life-saving screening and diagnostic services. Our Show Me Healthy Women (SMHW) program provides essential health services to uninsured or low-income women in our community.
Show Me Healthy Women Program
The Show Me Healthy Women program is a statewide initiative funded by the Missouri Department of Health & Senior Services and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The program offers free breast and cervical cancer screenings, re-screenings, and diagnostics to uninsured or low-income women ages 35-64 who meet specific age, income, and insurance guidelines.
Eligibility and Services
Women who qualify for SMHW services have access to:
- Breast and cervical cancer screening exams: This includes mammograms, pelvic exams, Pap smears, and clinical breast exams.
- Diagnostic and treatment services: Available for most women who are found to have cancerous or pre-cancerous abnormalities.
- Follow-up care: Comprehensive follow-up for all clients is provided to ensure continuity of care.
Women diagnosed with breast or cervical cancer (or pre-cancerous cervical conditions) through SMHW may also be eligible for MO HealthNet Breast & Cervical Cancer Treatment (BCCT). This program provides coverage for cancer treatment for legal Missouri residents under 65 who have had a screening or diagnostic test paid for by SMHW.
Transportation Support
To help reduce barriers to accessing care, free transportation is available for SMHW clients through OATS Transportation. JCPH also provides free rideshare passes for clients without transportation to get to and from appointments at our Lee’s Summit location.
Cervical Cancer Prevention
JCPH also offers the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine to prevent cervical cancer. Women from the ages of 9 to 45 can get the vaccine at little to no cost with appointments being made here.
Making Health Screenings Accessible
SMHW at Jackson County Public Health is designed to eliminate barriers to care and ensure that all eligible women have access to preventive health services. By offering free screenings, diagnostics, and education, we are taking a proactive approach to reducing the incidence of breast and cervical cancer among women in our community.
For more information about eligibility and to learn more about these programs, please reference the income requirements and call Jackson County Public Health at (816) 404-6400.
