Purdue once again providing employees access to no-cost preventive screening mammograms

In an effort to continue to increase the University's mammogram screening rate, Purdue is partnering with the Center for Healthy Living and Franciscan Health Lafayette Breast Center to provide convenient access to preventive (nondiagnostic) mammogram screenings. Screening rates for mammograms have increased from 39 percent in 2014 to 61 percent, 64 percent and 67 percent in 2015, 2016 and 2017, respectively.

“We attribute the increase we have seen over the last several years to the mammography screening program we introduced in 2015,” says Candace Shaffer, director of benefits in Human Resources. “Our goal continues to be to provide our employees with convenient, hassle-free opportunities to have these important screening mammograms performed. Partnering with the Center for Healthy Living and Franciscan Health Lafayette Breast Center has helped us reduce barriers for those in need and is one more service we are able to provide to help improve employee health across our Purdue community.”

Benefits-eligible employees at the West Lafayette campus and their covered spouses are eligible to register, but priority will be given to those who have not had a screening in two years or more.

Purdue’s health plans, administered by Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield, cover preventive (nondiagnostic) screening mammograms to females between the ages of 41 and 70. Those age 40 or under should talk to their provider about when to start and how often to get a screening mammogram.

Screenings will take place at Franciscan Health Lafayette Breast Center, 3920 St. Francis Way, Suite 215, Lafayette, during the following days and times:

* June 4 (M): 7 a.m. to 6:20 p.m. 

* June 5 (Tu): 7 a.m. to 6:20 p.m.

* June 6 (W): 7 a.m. to 6:20 p.m.

Purdue will offer up to 90 minutes of paid time off -- with supervisor approval -- for employees who wish to take advantage of the screening opportunities.  

Employees or covered spouses can register for an appointment by calling Franciscan Health Lafayette Breast Center at 765-423-6170 (option 2) by May 25. Phone lines to register are open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Registrants will be screened to ensure they are appropriate candidates. No individual participant information will be shared with Purdue.

Additional information, including FAQs and a guide for supervisors, is available on the Center for Healthy Living’s website.