Getting a Pap smear is not something most women look forward to. But for women aged 21 and older, especially those without insurance or money to spare, skipping it can be risky. Cervical cancer is one of the few cancers that can actually be prevented – if it’s caught early.
In Victoria, Texas, women now have a chance to get free health checkups, including cancer screenings. This special event is focused on helping underinsured women stay healthy without worrying about the cost.
Free Health Camp on May 13 in Victoria
On Tuesday, May 13, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., women in the Crossroads area can get free health screenings at First United Methodist Church, located at 407 North Bridge Street. The event is organised by UTHealth Houston’s Salud en Mis Manos program along with South Texas Family Planning and Health Corporation (STFPHC).
Services Available at the Camp
At this free event, women can get:
- Pap tests (for detecting cervical cancer)
- HPV tests (for identifying the virus that causes cervical cancer)
- Mammogram referrals (for breast cancer screening)
- Other important health checks
These tests are especially helpful for women who don’t have health insurance or can’t afford preventive care. Everything is offered free of cost.
Why These Tests Matter
Cervical cancer is one of the only cancers that can be prevented through regular screening. But in Texas, the rate of new cervical cancer cases is the highest in the country. Women without insurance are more likely to miss these tests, leading to late diagnoses and more serious health problems.
This event hopes to change that.
As Emily Adlparvar, MPH, from the Salud en Mis Manos program said, “No woman should delay screenings because of cost. We want to reach women who need help and give them the support they need to stay healthy.”
How to Book an Appointment
To attend the event, women need to book an appointment in advance. Here’s how:
Call:
713-510-3062 or 713-510-3270
Or visit: go.uth.edu/Checate
Supported by the Community
This event is backed by local groups like Methodist Healthcare Ministries, DeTar Family Medicine Center, South Coastal AHEC, ProSalud, and First United Methodist Church. The STFPHC mobile unit will also be present, offering extra health services to visitors.
This free screening program is part of a bigger year-round effort happening across 31 counties in Texas. It is funded by the Cancer Prevention Research Institute of Texas (CPRIT), showing how serious the state is about preventing cancer and saving lives.