Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center’s signature Live Well events bring free cancer screenings directly into the communities we serve across Louisiana and Southwest Mississippi every year. In 2024, through the support of our community and the dedication of our Prevention on the Go team, Mary Bird Perkins successfully screened more than 900 people for cancer during these events – furthering our mission to improve survivorship and lessen the burden of cancer through early detection and prevention.
Live Well takes the form of vibrant, street fair-style gatherings with plenty of health resources, food and entertainment for the whole family. Thanks to the support of generous donors, attendees can access free screenings for breast, colorectal, prostate and skin cancer, as well as biometric assessments like blood pressure and glucose readings. Those with abnormal results are then connected with a patient navigator who helps coordinate additional testing and provides any necessary support along the way.
“Our goal with Live Well and any free cancer screening event is to meet people where they are,” said Sharneitha Bradford, regional director of cancer support and outreach. “We’re so thankful for the support we receive from donors and other community organizations which enables us to connect with individuals in the heart of their communities and provide these important services to those who need them the most.”
Of the more than 900 screened at Live Well events throughout 2024, 47% were uninsured.
“Mary Bird Perkins is dedicated to not only continuing these efforts, but expanding our reach in 2025 and beyond,” Bradford added. “We urge everyone to take charge of their health because early detection truly does save lives.”
Below is a breakdown of each Live Well event and the individuals served, beginning with the most recent:
Live Well Bayou presented by Cenac Marine Services, LLC
(November 2)
- 142 unique participants
- 258 total cancer screenings
- 44% uninsured
Live Well Northshore presented by the Benjamin Blanchard Memorial Foundation
(October 19)
- 112 unique participants
- 188 total cancer screenings
- 48% uninsured
Live Well Ascension presented by the Gonzales Area Foundation
(October 5)
- 82 unique participants
- 149 total cancer screenings
- 54% uninsured
Live Well Baton Rouge presented by Karnival Krewe de Louisiane
(May 18)
- 137 unique participants
- 237 total cancer screenings
- 48% uninsured
Live Well Delta presented by Healthy Blue
(April 27)
- 125 unique participants
- 237 total cancer screenings
- 27% uninsured
Live Well Mississippi
(April 13)
- 99 unique participants
- 170 total cancer screenings
- 60% uninsured
- Live Well Mississippi – April 12
- Live Well Delta – April 26
- Live Well Baton Rouge – May 17
- Live Well Ascension – October 4
- Live Well Northshore – October 18
- Live Well Bayou – November 1
For more information on upcoming screening events, or to schedule an appointment for a screening, visit marybird.org/get-screened.