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WISCONSIN WELL WOMAN PROGRAM TO CONTINUE TO FUND CANCER SCREENING, OUTREACH SERVICES

MADISON—Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) officials said today that cancer screening services provided through the Department’s Well Woman Program will continue to be offered in Winnebago, Fond du Lac, Outagamie and Sheboygan counties.

Questions have arisen recently regarding a $130,000 state funded contract that provided outreach and education efforts to 715 women in 2010 in the four counties. Nearly all such outreach and education contracts for the Wisconsin Well Woman Program go to county health departments. These contracts do not fund the cancer screening services themselves. Screening services are funded separately with federal funds and go to a variety of local health care providers throughout the four-county area.

“We are committed to making sure these vital prevention services are provided to women in these counties and will work with local community providers to ensure continued access,” said DHS Secretary Dennis G. Smith.

“It is unfortunate that some individuals and organizations are needlessly causing concern about whether women will receive the prevention services that are so important. That needs to stop,” Smith said. “Women across the state are receiving education about cancer risks and are being referred to local providers to be screened and that will continue in the four counties as well.”

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Last Revised:  December 16, 2011