Health Equity

Since its beginnings, more than 50 years ago, Mary Bird Perkins has always ensured everyone has access to the cancer care they need regardless of their ability to pay. The Cancer Center is able to do this because of generous donors, providing key cancer support services, patient navigation, early detection and education, clinical research and in many other forms of assistance.

This commitment to helping everyone ensures an inclusive environment and access, especially for medically underserved populations. Following are some of the areas in which Mary Bird Perkins is working to move health equity forward.

LBGTQ+

 The program will be a supplemental mobile breast and colorectal cancer screening and education program provided to LGBTQ+ communities. It will consist of culturally competent outreach and education, no-cost breast and colorectal cancer screening, patient navigation for those with abnormal findings and provider trainings with the goal of encouraging LGBTQ+ communities to receive recommended cancer screenings.

Cancer Screenings 

Screening services are provided at no cost thanks to the generosity of the community. For information on Prevention on the Go or to schedule a screening, call (225) 215-1234 or visit pogo.marybird.com.  

African-American/Black breast cancer patients

The goal of this project is to enhance cancer care equity for this population, especially those impacted by Triple Negative Breast Cancer, one of the most dangerous forms of the disease.

Ensuring Cancer Care Equity for North Baton Rouge

This project, an Alliance initiative funded by the Merck Foundation, focuses on addressing cancer disparities throughout the continuum of care and advancing health equity for the medically underserved. Working collaboratively with Woman’s Hospital, Baton Rouge General and other community organizations, this effort will provide care coordination; patient-centered communication and engagement; and supportive and palliative care to improve cancer equity for North Baton Rouge residents. 

To learn more about the Ensuring Cancer Care Equity for North Baton Rouge project.

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