Elliott Lake Today published an article on Mar 20, 2025
By Lisa Rene-de-Cotret
The Elliot Lake Family Health Team (ELFHT) is excited to announce a new initiative focused on enhancing women’s health in our community.
On March 24, 2025, a designated mammogram bus will leave for Sudbury to offer crucial breast cancer screening services to ten local residents.
Transportation will be provided by AJ Bus Lines Ltd., with the bus scheduled to depart from the ELFHT at 8:30 a.m.
As many in Elliot Lake know, there is currently no mammography screening program available in town. This means that women over the age of 50 must travel to Sudbury or Sault Ste. Marie to access these crucial screenings.
This initiative reflects ELFHT’s ongoing dedication to ensuring that women can access vital health services, especially those who may encounter obstacles like transportation issues. The ELFHT Team will provide a monthly Mammogram bus service.
Women between the ages of 40-74 in need of routine breast screening will be transported to the Ontario Breast Screening Clinic in Sudbury.
Mammograms play a critical role in the early detection of breast cancer, significantly improving the likelihood of successful treatment and recovery.
The Canadian Cancer Society advises women aged 50 to 74 to have regular screenings every two years, and this event aims to meet that important need in the Elliot Lake area.
Women interested in participating are encouraged to reach out to the ELFHT at 705-461-8882 to schedule their appointment or to gather more information about the event. Since space on the bus is limited, early registration is recommended to secure a spot.
“This initiative represents a significant step toward encouraging proactive health care for women in our community. We want to make it as convenient as possible for everyone to access these essential screenings,” stated Nancy Ewen executive director of ELFHT.
Ewen further indicated that the ELFHT is presently engaged in the process of forming partnerships with additional health care providers to develop new initiatives aimed at facilitating essential screenings for residents.
Ewen stated, “In the northern regions, individuals are facing significant challenges in obtaining the necessary healthcare services.” She further asserted, “This initiative will enhance access to care, improve screening processes, and prove to be cost-effective.”
The team is also collaborating closely with the Ministry of Health to devise a formal plan for the funding of these services. At present, women are required to endorse their travel grants to contribute towards the cost of transportation services.
The ELFHT is committed to improving the health and well-being of Elliot Lake residents, and this event underscores their dedication to community health. Don’t miss out on this vital health screening opportunity—book your appointment today!