Mobile Day of Caring events are coming to the Bloomfield and Van Buren communities this month.
Sponsored by Saint Francis Healthcare, these events will offer the opportunity to get health screenings, receive food and nonperishable items and a community lunch.
Saint Francis Mobile Wellness will visit Bloomfield from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Friday, July 19. The event will be held at First Baptist Church, 201 Center St.
The Van Buren event will be held from 9:30 a.m.-3 p.m. July 31 at Van Buren High School, 202 College St.
Both days will offer a community lunch from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.
Preventative mammograms can be scheduled during these events by calling 573-331-3952.
Preventative screenings are covered by insurance, including Medicaid, Saint Francis reports. These are available to those over the age of 40, with no known concerns and who have not had a mammogram in the past 12 month.
Patients without insurance may qualify for a free screening through Dig For Life and the Saint Francis Foundation, organizers shared.
Those who are under 40 and are at high risk are urged to consult with their doctor and insurance provider to determine if this exam could qualify as a preventative screening.
Early detection of breast cancer improves treatment options, according to the Centers for Disease Control. They report breast cancer is the second most common cancer and the second most common cause of cancer death among US women. In 2023, an estimated 43,170 women died of breast cancer.
Both events will offer a mobile food pantry and Day of Caring at 10 a.m. Food, paper products, diapers, wipes and hygiene kits will be distributed.
A community lunch will be hosted at the July 19 event by the Saint Francis Foundation and Bank of Advance, while supplies last.
At the July 31 event, this will be sponsored by the foundation and First Midwest Bank.
Other supporters of these mobile wellness events are P&G and the Drury Southwest Foundation.