The Susan G. Komen for the Cure foundation granted more than $20,000 to Barton Health to provide screening and diagnostic mammograms for low income, uninsured or underinsured men and women in South Lake Tahoe and Douglas and Alpine counties.

“This is a great opportunity for us to be able to help so many who otherwise would not be able to afford this important annual exam,” said Pam Stoddart, breast program educator for Barton Health, who noted that October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

“We've been able to offer breast health education to more than 400 women and more than 600 clinic breast exams in the first half of this grant cycle,” Stoddart said. “Fortunately, we diagnosed only two cases of breast cancer.”

Unlike other free mammogram programs, there are no age limitations to qualify for the Komen-funded tests, only financial need.

Barton Health is also offering a more comfortable mammogram through the use of the MammoPad, a soft foam pad that helps eliminate discomfort in a screening mammography.

During the past 10 years, the Komen Foundation's Northern Nevada affiliate has granted more than $2 million to local community programs, including more than $87,000 to Barton's Community Clinic in the last three years.

Apply for a free mammogram by picking up an application at the Barton Community Clinic on South Avenue, across from the hospital's main entrance. For more details, call Stoddart at (530) 543-5632.

To schedule a mammogram not covered by the Komen funds, call the hospital at (530) 543-5851, or Barton Medical Imaging at (775) 589-8959.