West Chester, OH - The Women's Imaging Center at West Chester Medical Center (WCMC) kicked off a month-long campaign October 1 to encourage women in the recommended age group of 40 years and older to get their annual screening mammogram. As a bonus, any woman who schedules her screening at WCMC in October will receive:

• A free pink tote bag loaded with goodies including a gift certificate for a free facial at Ambiance Salon and Spa, a rose from Oberer's Flowers, and more discounts and coupons
• A free gourmet cookie and coffee, tea or soda from the Gift Shop plus an additional 10% off any purchase from the Gift Shop
• And a chance to win a limousine ride by King Alex Limos and lunch for eight at Wetherington Golf and Country Club (alcohol not included), plus a $100 gift certificate to Welling and Co. Jewelers!

WCMC was a recipient of the American Cancer Society's (ACS) Breast Education and Screening Together (BEST) grant to help fund mammograms for low-income women. A certificate was presented at the ACS' "Paint the Square Pink" at Fountain Square Thursday, October 1. Radiologist Linda Reilman, MD, represented WCMC in accepting the $3,050 grant.

To be eligible for a grant-funded mammogram, a woman must have a household income less than or equal to 250% of the Federal Poverty Level, and be between 40 and 64 years old, or between 35-39 with a high-risk of developing breast cancer as determined by a physician.

A WCMC team will participate in the ACS' Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk October 11. The walk raises money for early detection, support of those diagnosed, and research for new treatments for breast cancer. Wednesday, October 28, WCMC also will participate in Butler County's first "Paint the Centre Pink" at Union Center Boulevard. The lunch-time event will provide information about breast cancer prevention and awareness to women and men in our community.

In addition, the Gift Shop at WCMC is selling limited edition breast cancer awareness t-shirts for $15 per shirt, with $5 of every purchase donated to a new WCMC fund for women's services, including mammograms for low income women and women under 40. Other breast cancer awareness merchandise, including special pink WCMC tote bags, also will be for sale in the Gift Shop. Look for hospital associates in pink t-shirts throughout the month as they show their support for finding a cure and helping women in our community.

WCMC's dedicated Women's Imaging Center includes digital mammography, DEXA bone-density scanning, ultrasound, and stereotactic biopsy, and utilizes the most technologically advanced equipment and a highly trained imaging staff in our area. Schedule your mammogram today by calling 513-298-FAST (3278). Same-day appointments are usually available.

West Chester Medical Center is a new 160-bed hospital in West Chester, Ohio, providing the latest technology delivered in a healing environment. Conveniently located and easily accessible, services include a full-service emergency department, and inpatient and outpatient diagnostic and treatment services. For more information about West Chester Medical Center, go to www.westchestermedcenter.com.

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