New Hanover County expands women’s health services

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — New Hanover County is expanding access to health care for women, particularly those with limited or no insurance, through its Breast and Cervical Cancer Control Program.

The program provides free screenings and services to women who meet certain age and income requirements. Officials say many participants are uninsured or underinsured, and the program covers the full cost of care.

Services include Pap tests, clinical breast exams, and screening mammograms, all aimed at detecting cancer early and improving health outcomes.

Jaclyn Chavez, a public health nurse with New Hanover County Health and Human Services, said the program helps remove barriers that often prevent women from seeking care.

“We remove barriers to care. We’re giving services to the community who maybe, you know, aren’t able to get the services or pay for them, so we’re just bringing awareness to the community and overall improving health as far as preventing certain cancers,” Chavez said.

Appointments are available on the first and third Wednesdays of each month at the New Hanover County Health and Human Services building on Greenfield Street.

More information about eligibility and services is available on the county’s website at:

https://www.nhcgov.com/1233/Breast-Cervical-Cancer-Control-Program-B