BATON ROUGE, La. – Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center is set to host its popular Live Well Baton Rouge event – an opportunity for local residents to access an array of free cancer screening and health resources. This year’s event will be held on Saturday, May 18 from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church (2250 Main Street in Baton Rouge).
This free community health event, part of the Cancer Center’s Prevention on the Go program, will allow residents to take advantage of four different types of cancer screenings, including breast, prostate, colorectal and skin cancer. Blood pressure, cholesterol, and glucose checks will also be available.
Live Well Baton Rouge will feature various health vendors, food, music, and fun activities for the entire family.
Appointments are encouraged and walk-ins are welcome for all screenings. Call (225) 425-8034 or visit pogo.marybird.com to schedule an appointment.
Karnival Krewe de Louisiane (KKdL) will again serve as the presenting sponsor for this year’s event. KKdL engages in fundraising throughout the year to support local cancer research, cancer education, and underserved cancer patient care in the Baton Rouge area. Live Well Baton Rouge would not be possible without the Krewe’s support. Since the Krewe’s establishment in 1987, the Krewe has contributed more than $5.3 million to support Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center’s mission to improve survivorship and lessen the burden of cancer.
“Our Krewe is proud of our ongoing support for Live Well Baton Rouge,” said Amy DeJean, board president, Karnival Krewe de Louisiane. “This grassroots event, located in the heart of Baton Rouge, provides a convenient opportunity for all residents to access life-saving cancer screenings and other health services. We encourage everyone across our community to come out and take part in this fun, family-friendly event!”
Live Well is also the kick-off of KKdL’s fundraising season. Each of the new debutants are crowned and recognized annually at this event.
Additional sponsors for Live Well Baton Rouge include Baton Rouge Coca-Cola, Louisiana Lottery, and Republic Finance.
Last year, approximately 100 capital area residents received a total of 171 screenings, with 21 requiring additional patient navigation. Nearly 42% of those participants had never been screened for cancer prior to the event. Additionally, more than 60% of participants reported being uninsured.
“Early detection through regular screenings saves lives. Thanks to KKdL, Live Well Baton Rouge can continue to expand access to free cancer screenings and support services, making a real impact in the fight against cancer,” said Sharneitha Bradford, regional director of cancer support and outreach, Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center.
For more information about this event and other cancer screening opportunities in your community, please visit marybird.org/get-screened.
About Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center
Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center is Louisiana’s largest cancer care organization and has been leading the fight against cancer for more than 50 years. Founded in Baton Rouge in 1971 by a group of community leaders, the Cancer Center now serves every region of Louisiana and communities across southwest Mississippi. With the most expansive team of highly-trained oncologists leveraging innovative therapies and technologies, Mary Bird Perkins is offering the most personalized treatment options available in the Gulf South. The Cancer Center’s emphasis on community-based care allows patients to access these resources close to home. From early detection through our innovative Prevention on the Go screening and education program, to diagnosis, treatment and life after cancer, Mary Bird Perkins offers a wide array of individualized support services to improve survivorship and lessen the burden of cancer. For more information, visit marybird.org.