No-cost preventive screening mammograms once again available to Purdue employees

In an effort to continue to increase the University’s mammogram screening rate, Purdue is again partnering with the Center for Healthy Living and Franciscan Health Lafayette Breast Center to provide convenient access to preventive (nondiagnostic) mammogram screenings. Screening rates for mammograms have increased from 39 percent in 2014 to 70 percent in 2018.

“The consistent increase we have seen over the last four years is a testament to the screening mammogram program and our employees taking advantage of the opportunity provided,” says Candace Shaffer, director of benefits in Human Resources. “We are proud to be able to offer this program year after year and give our employees access to the best method to find breast cancer early.”  

Benefits-eligible employees at the West Lafayette campus and their covered spouses are eligible to register, but priority will be given to those who have not had a screening in two years or more.

Purdue’s health plans, administered by Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield, cover preventive (nondiagnostic) screening mammograms for females ages 41 to 70. Those age 40 or under should talk to their provider about when to start and how often to get a screening mammogram.

Screenings will take place at Franciscan Health Lafayette Breast Center, located at 3920 St. Francis Way, Suite 215, Lafayette, during the following days and times:

• June 12 (W): 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• June 13 (Th): 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• June 14 (F): 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• June 15 (Sa): 7:30 a.m. to 3:10 p.m.

Purdue will offer up to 90 minutes of paid time off -- with supervisor approval -- for employees who wish to take advantage of the screening opportunities.  

Employees or covered spouses can register for an appointment by calling Franciscan Health Lafayette Breast Center at 765-423-6170 (option 2) by June 5. Phone lines to register are open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Registrants will be screened to ensure they are appropriate candidates. No individual participant information will be shared with Purdue.

Additional information, including FAQs and a guide for supervisors, is available on the Center for Healthy Living’s website.  

Questions can be directed to Human Resources at 765-494-2222 or hr@purdue.edu.

Employees at Purdue University Northwest and Purdue University Fort Wayne should contact their campus Human Resources offices for information about mammography resources.