No-Cost Mammography Event Draws 35 Women to Woodhaven

Staff from Multi-Diagnostic Services and AICF pose with Senator Addabbo in front of the new American-Italian Cancer Foundation screening van on Jamaica Avenue, Woodhaven.

Addabbo: "This Was Our Largest Turn-Out in Four Years"

Queens, NY – On Saturday, November 19, New York State Senator Joseph P. Addabbo, Jr., sponsored No Cost Mammography Screenings at the American-Italian Cancer Foundation Van parked outside the Woodhaven Richmond Hill Volunteer Ambulance Corps, 78-15 Jamaica Avenue, Woodhaven.

Thirty-five women had mammogram screenings for cancer, with over a dozen more women referred to AICF screenings taking place in December around the district and closer to their homes (plus a few cancellations), totaling 55 test appointments made for that day. This was the ninth mammography event the Senator coordinated for women in his district since October 2008.

“We know that early detection of breast cancer can save lives. Once again, I worked with the American-Italian Cancer Foundation to bring their Mammogram Van to my district, offering free, vital health care services for women ages 40 and older, who have had no mammograms in the last 12 months, who either have no insurance, or are insured by Medicare, Medicaid or other health insurance, which will be billed for services,” explained Addabbo.

"For women without health insurance, services will be paid for by the Screening Partnerships of the New York State Cancer Services Program (NYSCSP) or through generous contributions by the American-Italian Cancer Foundation’s donors. “However, even insured women will not be charged a co-payment and will not receive a bill,” added the senator.

American-Italian Cancer Foundation outreach staffers Gladys Ayala-Borjas and Ayesha Ghosh and Senator Addabbo at screening event.

“This is our largest turn-out in four years; I’m so pleased recent cancer awareness activities urged more women to take advantage of our screenings in the district, at no cost to them, which pays big dividends to their health and for their peace of mind. Peter DeLucia, Director of Special Events in my Howard Beach office, is planning another screening event with AICF next year, either over the winter or next spring,” Addabbo concluded.

For more information on future screenings contact Senator Addabbo's office at (718-738-1111).

Photos courtesy of the office of Senator Joseph Addabbo, Jr.