The Oyate Health Center is offering walk-in pap tests and mammograms for women who are due for their screenings.
The “Pap-a-thon and Mammo-blitz” events take place on July 30 and Aug 13 from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. at the Oyate Health Center in Rapid City.
Women ages 21 to 64 can walk-in for a pap test and women ages 40 to 64 can walk in for a mammogram.
Madeline Sitting Holy is the Program Coordinator for the Honor Every Woman program, which is co-hosting the events.
“We’re doing these events basically as an effort to try to reduce health disparities and breast cancer and cervical cancer for American Indian women in South Dakota," said Sitting Holy. "Right now, for cervical cancer, American Indian women are two times more likely to develop cervical cancer. And for breast cancer, it’s the second most cause of cancer among Native American and Alaska Native women. There’s such a huge need to try to get as much help out there as possible and figure out a way to help change these numbers.”
Sitting Holy said the screenings are the "ultimate form of self-care because you’re taking care of yourself and knowing your health status." She added that everyone screened will be contacted individually with their results.
Sitting Holy said everyone who gets a pap test or mammogram receives an Honor Every Woman gift bag and a $25 gas voucher.
To learn more about the event, contact Madeline Sitting Holy at 605-721-1922 ext. 1143.