Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center in Covington Launches Free Community Health Event

Ben Blanchard Memorial Foundation funds free cancer screenings, food and fun for the entire family

  (Covington, La.) – Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center in Covington, in conjunction with the Ben Blanchard Memorial Foundation, is providing free, convenient access to many types of cancer screenings at its inaugural Live Well Northshore event. Live Well Northshore will be Saturday, Sept. 15 from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. at then Covington Trailhead on North New Hampshire Street. Cancer screenings will include breast, colorectal, oral, prostate and skin, along with blood pressure and glucose checks. Other health screenings, food and entertainment will also be available at no cost. “More and more we are learning that people don’t get the recommended cancer screenings due to a lack of time, awareness or other barriers, which can result in cancers going undetected,” said Johnnay Benjamin, director of early detection and education, Mary Bird Perkins. “Due to the generosity of the Blanchard Foundation, Live Well Northshore will allow the local community to receive education and early detection screenings in a professional, convenient and fun environment.” Since 2010, through generous community support, Mary Bird Perkins has provided more than 6,500 cancer screenings on the Northshore and diagnosed 71 cancers. In March of 2018, the Ben Blanchard Memorial Foundation donated $100,000 to Mary Bird Perkins, designating a portion to fund a new education and early detection event for Northshore residents to keep this momentum going strong. “Everyone knows someone who has been touched by cancer – especially in a close-knit community like the Northshore,” said Chris Blanchard of the Ben Blanchard Memorial Foundation. “Ben believed knowledge was key to a better life, and we’re thrilled to honor him by bringing services to the community that not only increase knowledge, but could also very well save lives.” In addition to the health aspects of the event, Live Well Northshore includes activities for the whole family. Preston Hammons will serve as the event’s master of ceremonies, and food, entertainment, children’s activities, door prizes and giveaways – including a bike – are all included at no cost. All screenings are available to those who have not been screened for cancer in the past 12 months. Appointments are only required for breast cancer screenings. To make an appointment for a breast cancer screening at the event, please call (985) 276-6810. All other screenings do not require an appointment. For additional information, please visit marybird.org/livewellns. Mary Bird Perkins is a key partner within St. Tammany Cancer Center in Covington.   About Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center is a regional cancer care organization that has been fighting cancer for more than 45 years. With five centers in Baton Rouge, Covington, Hammond, Houma and Gonzales, its service area encompasses 18 parishes across southeast Louisiana. For more information, please visit www.marybird.org.