(INDIANAPOLIS) – Planned Parenthood of Indiana (PPIN) will offer free Pap tests at 19 of its health centers in celebration of National Women’s Health Week, May 13-19.
The dates and locations of the free testing days are as follows:
May 14 – Fort Wayne, Indianapolis-Eastside, Madison and Terre Haute
May 15 – Bloomington, Indianapolis-Midtown, Lafayette and Merrillville
May 16 – Richmond, Indianapolis-Castleton and Valparaiso
May 17 – Hammond, Indianapolis-Southside, Mishawaka, Muncie and Warsaw
May 18 – Avon and Columbus
May 22 – Evansville
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends Pap tests for all women 21 years of age and older. Pap tests can detect abnormal cervical cells that may indicate cervical cancer.
Last year, PPIN performed 11,576 Pap tests, of which 1,509 were severely abnormal.
“It’s important to get regular Pap tests, because they can truly be lifesaving,” said Liz Carroll, PPIN’s director of patient services. “Pap tests can help identify those with early cancer and precancerous disease well before any symptoms are present.
“We’re strongly encouraging moms, in particular, to take advantage of our free Pap tests this year. It’s easy to put these crucial exams on the back burner when women are busy working or running their households. We hope they’ll give themselves a gift this Mother’s Day, and visit a nearby health center for a free Pap test.”
In order to accommodate all patients who wish to take advantage of the free testing days, appointments are encouraged but not required.
To find the address and phone number for the PPIN health center nearest you, visit www.ppin.org or call (800) 230-PLAN.
In addition to Pap tests, Planned Parenthood of Indiana offers a wide variety of preventive health care services such as birth control, STD testing and treatment, and breast exams, as well as comprehensive education programs.
