Thrive Allen County has received a grant that will help Allen County women lacking health insurance to stay current on their annual wellness exams.
The $1,000 grant will allow for 22 women to get the exam done for free. The exams typically costs $45 apiece.
Thrive grant writer John Robertson said there is no income criterion, but women applying for the exams can not currently have health insurance.
The Silpada Foundation, a sterling silver jewelry company, is funding the grant.
The grant requires a Silpada representative work in the county where the free exams are offered. Elizabeth Donnelly, owner and operator of The Shirt Shop, also sells the jewelry.
Donnelly said she learned of the grant while attending a Silpada conference last summer and contacted Robertson shortly after she returned home.
“It was something I wanted to pass on,” she said of the grant.
The exam includes a pap smear, breast exam, pelvic exam, STD testing as indicated, blood pressure screening, hemoglobin (test for anemia), blood glucose test, nutrition counseling and an assessment of immunization status.
Birth control methods are available during the clinics and are available by prescription. Fees vary for pills depending on the pharmacy. Condoms are available for purchase from the SEK Multi-County Health Department for $3 per dozen.
The annual exams through the health department are available to anyone in the county and cost $45. The health department is at 221 S. Jefferson.
Robertson said women interested in receiving the free exams could call Thrive at (620) 365-8128 or visit their office at 2 E. Jackson Ave.
Thrive receives grant to help local women
