Belk brings breast health clinic to town
Published 12:14 pm Friday, October 3, 2014
FRANKLIN
There are already bloodmobiles and other health clinics that travel, so why not one for breast health?
Belk’s Mobile Mammography Center will be in Franklin on Saturday, Oct. 4, to offer screenings. — COURTESY | BELK
To promote this aspect of women’s health, BelkGives on the Go’s Mobile Mammography Center will offer free mammogram screenings at the Belk store on Armory Drive in Franklin. These will take place on Saturday, Oct. 4, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
“Belk is big on giving back to the community,” said Debbie Wilson, sales team manager. “They do a lot for breast cancer prevention.”
Launched in 2013, the mobile unit has reportedly done more than 4,500 mammograms. Of those, according to a press release, 14 people discovered cancer diagnoses. The company headquarters included Franklin, Suffolk and Williamsburg stores for the traveling clinic. As far as she knows, this visit will be a first for the local store.
“Each Belk has had a different event on a different date,” Wilson said.
She added that she knew 20 to 25 appointment slots would be available, and already all appointments have been scheduled, but some walk-ins will be accepted tomorrow.
“We’ve had a huge response,” said Wilson.
The requirements for being screened are that the women must be 40 or older, have not yet had a mammogram this year, do not have a pre-existing condition, and must have a doctor to whom a report can be sent.
The Belk-sponsored screenings will be done in partnership with Charlotte Radiology’s licensed female mammography-certified technologists. A radiologist that’s board-certified, will interpret the images and send them to the patients and their primary care physician.
After they have their mammograms, the women can visit the store’s Intimate Apparel section for complimentary bra fittings.
Wilson said the staff of the Franklin store are doing two other activities related to breast cancer awareness.
“Our store is going to be involved in a breast cancer walk next weekend in Virginia Beach,” she said. “And now in-store at the registers, we’re taking donations to support breast cancer programs.”
For further details, visit www.belk.com/pink or call 1-855-655-MCCC (2662).
