The See, Test & Treat (STT) program, which offers cervical cancer screenings and mammograms at St. Mary’s Medical Center (SMMC) every spring, proved tailor-made for a former SMMC nurse who benefited from the free tests.
Angel Riffe was among the 43 women who received screenings in late April—more than double the 16 who were screened at the first event in 2023. Riffe called STT a blessing, especially since it took place during a time that she was uninsured.
“It came at a time when my health insurance had run out, and I didn’t have the resources to replace it,” she said. “So going there and having those screenings done—I felt very grateful and blessed for the opportunity offered to me and other women.”
The event took place through a partnership between SMMC and FaithHealth Appalachia (FHA), with new grant funding enabling the latest STT to have a broader scope and additional resources.
Rory Chapman, Executive Director of FHA, said he hoped that a grant would fund the event last year. But when that funding fell through, MHN Foundations was able to fund the first event through the generosity of several area donors.
Earlier this year, FHA secured a grant from the College of American Pathologists, paving the way for what Chapman said will become an annual See, Test & Treat every spring.
“These events have lowered the barrier for a lot of women to get these services,” Chapman said. “It eliminated the cost barrier because there were no co-pays or upfront lab fees. What it’s done for FHA is put us more on the preventive side of health issues. If we can prevent certain cancers and get screenings that help women detect cancer earlier, it eliminates problems later.”
Sixty-five percent of the women seen at these screenings lack health insurance, and half of those screened do not regularly seek preventive care. Among the comments other women made:
“I pay out of pocket for health care since I am a single mom and can’t afford insurance.”
“Thanks for the great reminder to take care of self. Saturday events are perfect, so I didn’t need to miss work.”
“Thank you for this service! I work 60-plus hours a week Monday–Friday, so this event allows me to get the preventive care I need.”
In addition to screenings, volunteers pampered the participants. That included offering free food, beverages, manicures, and chair massages while patients waited for their appointments or test results. Each woman also received a goodie bag with donated items, educational materials, and branded gifts.
Riffe emphasized the importance of faith in health care and the nurturing atmosphere created by FaithHealth Appalachia. “Having a faith-based hospital helps nurture patients and their families at their very worst, when they especially need the nurturing and care,” Riffe said.
