Each year, Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center’s Live Well events bring free cancer screenings and health resources directly to communities across Louisiana and Southwest Mississippi. In 2025, through the support of generous philanthropic partners and the dedication of our Prevention on the Go team, nearly 1,200 free cancer screenings were provided — advancing our mission to improve survivorship and lessen the burden of cancer through early detection and prevention.
These vibrant, street fair-style events feature food, entertainment, giveaways and a variety of health services. Attendees can access free screenings for breast, colorectal, prostate and skin cancers as well as biometric checks like blood pressure and glucose readings. Those with abnormal results are guided by patient navigators who help coordinate follow-up care and support.
“Our goal with Live Well is simple — to meet people where they are,” said Charity Gay, regional director of cancer support and outreach. “Thanks to our community partners and donors, we’re able to reach individuals in their own neighborhoods and provide vital early detection services free of charge.”
Of those screened at Live Well events in 2025, nearly 40% were uninsured — underscoring the critical need for accessible, no-cost healthcare resources.
Looking ahead, Mary Bird Perkins remains committed to expanding its reach in 2026 and beyond. Early detection saves lives — and Live Well is helping make that possible every day.
Below is a breakdown of each Live Well event and the individuals served, beginning with the most recent:
Live Well Bayou presented by Louis Mohana Furniture
(November 1)
Live Well Northshore presented by the Benjamin Blanchard Memorial Foundation
(October 18)
Live Well Ascension presented by the Gonzales Area Foundation
(October 4)
Live Well Baton Rouge presented by Karnival Krewe de Louisiane
(May 17)
Live Well Delta
(April 26)
Live Well Mississippi
(April 12)
Live Well events take place every year in six regions across Louisiana and southwest Mississippi, including Baton Rouge, Covington, Gonzales, Houma, Monroe and Natchez. Please save the date for Live Well events in 2026 – more details to come:
For more information on upcoming screening events, or to schedule an appointment for a screening, visit marybird.org/get-screened.
