Chenango Health Network

Educational activities promote the importance of early detection for breast cancer and for cervical, ovarian and uterine cancer.

Chenango Health Network's focus is to improve access to information and educational opportunities for women living in Chenango County and to insure that women receive mammograms and clinical breast exams and follow-up.

CHN maintains a peer-to-peer educational outreach program with local cancer survivors as volunteers, The Every Woman Counts in Chenango County Campaign. Women receive information, education and motivational/emotional support through a variety of settings such as church groups, women's organizations, senior centers, health clinics, food banks, etc. Promotional materials use community members' images and are distributed at locations where women meet. Activities also assure women 65 and older can participate in screenings.

CHN staff facilitate enrollment for women and men who are uninsured or underinsured for the New York State Cancer Services Program, a public insurance program, so they can access mammograms and clinical breast exams. Women who are not eligible for the NYS Cancer Services Program or the Medicaid Treatment Benefits Program or other public insurance program are referred for options available.

CHN works with medical service providers to assure a seamless referral process. CHN staff make certain that women in the program obtain mammograms and CBEs through multiple contacts with each woman and by follow-up with the medical provider for every woman referred. Women receive information about clinical breast exams, mammograms, and provider options; are encouraged to ask questions during their screening visits and to contact CHN after their CBE and mammogram. CHN facilitates future screening by reminding every woman served in the program through mail or phone calls. Women in need of follow-up care for additional imaging services, biopsy or treatment are assisted to access those services.