No-cost preventive screening mammogram campaign to take place in June

The implementation of the no-cost screening mammogram program supports the physical health pillar of the Healthy Boiler Program. (Image provided)

Purdue University is again partnering with Franciscan Health Lafayette Breast Center in an effort to increase the University’s mammogram screening rate.

Since the implementation of the no-cost screening mammogram program, which supports the physical health pillar of the Healthy Boiler Program, screening rates for mammograms have increased from 39 percent in 2014 to 70 percent in 2019. However, screening rates fell by three percentage points to 67 percent in 2020, which can be attributed to individuals postponing medical appointments and preventive screenings due to COVID-19.

“Prior to COVID-19, we saw a consistent increase in the mammogram screening rates year after year,” says Candace Shaffer, senior director of benefits in Human Resources. “As individuals have begun to resume some activities, such as going to see their physician and getting routine screenings, our goal with the 2021 screening mammogram campaign is to remind individuals that mammograms matter with the goal of once again seeing screening rates increase.”

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 16 (W): 7 a.m.-5:50 p.m.
• June 17 (Th): 7 a.m.-5:50 p.m.
• June 18 (F): 7 a.m.-4:50 p.m.
• June 19 (Sa): 7:30 a.m.-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 11. 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 "Mammograms matter" webpage.

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

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