TWO UPCOMING ACHC SCREENING EVENTS ~ Vision & Breast Cancer

Asher Community Health Center works hard to bring higher resources to Wheeler County for our patients and residents. Through partnerships with OHSU Casey Eye Institute, Oregon Lions Eyeglass Assistance Program (LEAP), and St Alphonsus Mobile Mammography, we are hosting two important local screening events.   

VISION SCREENING -  June 28-29: Casey Eye Vision Screening

On June 28th-29th, Asher Clinic will again be hosting a vision screening by Casey Eye Institute, and there is zero cost to those screened!  There will be a limited number of appointments available however, so find out if you meet the criteria to be included by checking with your ACHC Provider at your next medical appointment, or by MyChart. Please don’t delay, as these appointments will fill up quickly. If you have any questions, contact Joan Field, CHW, at 541-763-2725.

The screening is focused on identifying eye diseases that can lead to vision loss or blindness. Those who test 20/40 or worse on distance acuity will be provided with a prescription. Through Casey’s partnership with Oregon Lions Eyeglass Assistance program, eyeglasses will be provided. These eyeglasses will take approximately 6 weeks to arrive and can be picked up at the Fossil ACHC Clinic.

Again, there is no ‘out of pocket’ expense. Some of the basic requirements are:

· 18 years and older 

· Low income or experience barriers to vision care

· Have not had an eye exam in the last year

· Not currently under the care of an eye doctor

· Exceptions can be made to the above guidelines under certain circumstances

The vision screening will take approximately 3 hours and is a value of $650. Appointments are very tightly scheduled so it is important to arrive on time – not early or late, as this can impact other participants.

MAMMOGRAPHY SCREENING - July 16-17-18: St Alphonsus Breast Cancer Screening

In collaboration with St Alphonsus, Asher Community Health Center will be hosting the mammography screening van again in Fossil.  They will only be here once this year, but it will be for 3 days:  July 16-17-18, 2024. 

If you have had your screening mammogram with us previously, you’ll want to contact us right away to secure your appointment for July. If you are new to our St. Alphonsus screening van, here are some points to know:

· The mobile unit is NOT wheelchair accessible. The patient must be able to climb stairs.

· Visitors, including small children, are NOT allowed on the bus with the patient during their visit.

· Masks are optional.

· Please do not be late for your appointment – the schedule will be tight, and we might not be able to fit you in later.

· Please bring your photo ID and insurance card (if you have insurance) to your appointment. 

     o When requesting your name be added to the ACHC appointment list, be sure to give your name as it appears on your identification – don’t use a nickname. The name on our list MUST match the name on your ID & Insurance card. 

· It is your responsibility to be sure your insurance will cover your screening – please call them and check if you aren’t sure.

     o Insured patients may schedule their mammogram for the same calendar month as the previous year (it does not have to be a full 365+1 days).

     o Uninsured patients – There are income-based grants available for uninsured patients who qualify. Patients that require a grant should call 208-367-3571 with their questions. Those using grant funding will need to schedule a full 365 days from their last mammogram—the 2 screenings must be 365 days apart. 

· If you are planning to pay out of pocket, the approximate cost will be $400-500 (this includes St Alphonsus and the reading by Gem State Radiology)

Although annual mammograms are typically recommended starting at age 40, St Alphonsus can do a screening mammogram without a doctor’s order for women 35+. 

If you have had previous mammogram screenings but not with St Alphonsus, we will need to ask for your prior imaging to be sent to St Alphonsus ahead of July, so they will be able to make a comparison (this can reduce uncertainty in assessing your new images).   

To have your name added to our schedule or if you have any questions, please call Joan Field, Asher’s CHW, at 541-763-2725. Questions for St Alphonsus should be directed to: 208-367-3571.

At Asher Community Health Center, we strive to offer you the best care possible and to bring you as many resources as we can. Thank you for entrusting us with your health and wellness!