Vouchers are still available to provide screening and diagnostic mammograms to women in La Porte and Starke County who do not have the resources to pay for these services. The Indiana Breast Cancer Awareness Trust (IBCAT) awarded an $18,000 grant for 2017 to continue The Foundation Breast Cancer Project.
The Foundation Breast Cancer Project is an established comprehensive effort to encourage and educate women about breast health and the importance of early detection since 2005. The vouchers are for low-income, uninsured or underinsured women age 40 and older and women of any age who are at high risk for breast cancer. Individuals should contact their physician’s office to see if they qualify for a free mammogram voucher. Any healthcare provider in La Porte or Starke County may request a voucher for their patients by contacting The Foundation at contact@hflaporte.org or 219.326.2471.
The mission of IBCAT is to increase awareness and improve access to breast cancer screening and diagnosis throughout Indiana. IBCAT funds their grants through the sale of the state’s breast cancer awareness license plates. Since the plate was first made available in 2002, the program has provided nearly $4 million in grants for breast cancer screening programs to help tens of thousands of under-served Hoosier women receive the services they need. IBCAT has provided funding of over $183,000 to the Breast Cancer Project since 2005
Indiana breast cancer awareness license plates are available to Indiana residents by visiting their local Bureau of Motor Vehicles branch or the BMV website at in.gov/bmv. Of the $40 specialty plate fee, $25 is a direct tax-deductible donation to IBCAT. The plate can be purchased for use on trucks and recreational vehicles up to 11,000 pounds, passenger cars and motorcycles.
The Foundation is proud to continue partnerships with IBCAT, the Michigan City Women’s Bowling Association, The La Porte City Fire Departments, Local 360 and other community partners for the Breast Cancer Project.