Cervical screening clinic scheduled for early-March

NEWS RELEASE
ALGOMA ONTARIO HEALTH TEAM
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The Algoma Ontario Health Team (AOHT) will be hosting a cervical screening clinic on Friday, March 3, 2023, at Group Health Centre, 240 McNabb St. This clinic, like the previous ones, is only available to individuals who do not have a primary care provider and are between 25 to 70 years of age. Appointments will be available from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Friday, March 3, 2023.

This marks the third cervical screening clinic organized by the AOHT and its partners in the last six months to address a backlog of cervical cancer screenings in the area. Previous clinics were held at the Algoma Nurse Practitioner-Led Clinic and the Superior Family Health Team.

“These clinics have tremendous value to our community,” says Dr. Jodie Stewart, Primary Care Provider. “With the shrinking number of Primary Care Providers in our community and across the north, many women are struggling to access these basic preventive services.”

The goal of this AOHT campaign is two-fold. First and foremost, this campaign is designed to increase the availability of pap tests for those across the Algoma District who may not have access to a primary care provider or face other barriers to accessing cervical cancer screening services.

Secondly, the campaign is designed to raise awareness about cervical cancer and the importance of the pap test that looks for precancers. Cervical cancer is highly treatable when detected early, and these clinics aim to reach members of our community who face barriers to accessing screening services.

The benefits of regular screening can also help detect the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) before it causes abnormal cells. HPV is the leading cause of cervical cancer. Therefore, finding HPV and abnormal cells early is the best way to prevent cervical cancer from developing and increase survival rates.

“Over the past few years, thanks to pandemic-related backlogs in the healthcare sector, we have seen growing demand for services like cervical cancer screening,” says Stewart. “These AOHT screening clinics are an excellent example of how community partners' working together can deliver a valuable healthcare service to members of our community who would normally struggle to access it.”

The Algoma Ontario Health Team encourages all eligible individuals to book their cervical screening appointment. Individuals can book an appointment at the March 3 clinic by calling the Group Health Centre at (705) 759-7465.

To learn more about the clinic, please visit algomaoht.ca/events. The cervical screening clinics are a collaborative initiative being planned and delivered by several AOHT partners, including the Algoma Nurse Practitioner-Led Clinic, Superior Family Health Team, GHC, and Algoma Public Health.

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