Delta Health System Awarded Mississippi Department of Health Funds For the Delta S.I.S.T.E.R. Program

Delta Health System has been awarded Mississippi Department of Health funding to promote breast and cervical screenings with the Delta S.I.S.T.E.R. (Screening Initiative to Support Targeted and Equitable Results) Program. This is a vital initiative aimed at providing life-saving breast and cervical cancer screenings to women who need them the most. This program focuses on assisting uninsured, underinsured, medically underserved, and minority women throughout Mississippi.

The Delta S.I.S.T.E.R. Program ensures that women who may not have regular access to healthcare receive critical cancer screenings. It especially targets women who have never been screened for breast or cervical cancer. Early detection saves lives, and the Mississippi Department of Health is committed to bridging the healthcare gap for all women in the state.

"Access to early detection is critical for successful treatment outcomes," said Iris Stacker, Delta Health System Chief Executive Officer. "The Delta S.I.S.T.E.R. Program is about reaching those women in Mississippi who might otherwise fall through the cracks of the healthcare system. It is our goal to ensure that no woman is left without an 0pportunity for essential cancer screenings."

The Delta S.I.S.T.E.R. Program serves women who:

• Are uninsured, underinsured, medically underserved, or from minority populations.
• Are 50 years of age and older for mammography screenings.
• Are 40 years of age and older for cervical cancer screening
   

Other requirements include a household income at or below 250% of the Federal Poverty Level, women who are uninsured, underinsured, or without Medicaid or Medicare Part B coverage and must be residents of Mississippi.

Screening information is as follows:

• Cervical Cancer Screening.
• Breast Cancer Screening.
• For women aged 40-49, breast screenings are available but require prior approval from Breast and Cervical Cancer providers.
• Diagnostic Services for Breast or Cervical Cancer: Women aged 21 to 64.

Participants will benefit from these efforts by receiving the support of a patient navigator, provider education, transportation assistance, and other services to reduce barriers to receiving pre-natal care. Also, the Delta S.I.S.T.E.R. team will be conducting a survey and community focus groups to better identify barriers to breast and cervical cancer screenings.

“Delta Health System encourages all eligible women to take advantage of this program, especially those who have never been screened for breast or cervical cancer. Health disparities, especially among minority and low-income populations, can be addressed with increased screening and timely intervention. Eligible women can learn more about the Delta S.I.S.T.E.R. program by contacting Stephanie Patton at 662.725.2291,” added Stacker.

For more information about the Delta S.I.S.T.E.R. Program, contact Kim Dowdy, Community Development Manager, at 662.725.2830.