Kent Hospital has announced plans for the celebration of Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October, including a breast health screening program, serving as an official sponsor of the American Cancer Society’s Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk, and a month-long presence at the Warwick Mall.

“Kent Hospital is committed to providing the very best care in breast health,” said President and CEO Sandra Coletta. “That commitment also includes our partnership, support and involvement in events throughout the community and state that help to raise the education and awareness of prevention and early detection efforts.”

Kent Hospital is a sponsor of this year’s Making Strides walk, which will be held Sunday, Oct. 25 at Roger Williams Park in Providence and will be involved in a number of ways including a walking team, hosting the Survivorship Tent, registering people for mammograms and providing staff support for registration.

Last year’s walk raised $1 million with support of 13,000 walkers.

In addition, Kent Hospital’s Cancer Program and the Women’s Diagnostic Imaging Center are providing a breast health screening program, which consists of a mammogram and a follow-up clinical exam for women 40 and over, or who are at risk for breast cancer, who have not had a mammogram in the last year. Mammography and clinical exam appointments are being scheduled for the month of October.

Kent is also working with Stop & Shop and Wal-Mart pharmacies, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Rhode Island, the American Cancer Society, Panera Bread and the Rhode Island Department of Health Women’s Cancer Screening Program to provide free breast health exams to women 40 and over who do not have insurance. The mammogram and clinical exam will be performed at the Women’s Diagnostic Imaging Center at Kent Hospital in Warwick. Appointments can be scheduled, starting today, by calling 736-1988. The Imaging Center at Kent offers convenient and extended hours Monday through Thursday 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Friday through Sunday 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. The Imaging Center is accredited by the American College of Radiology and offers digital mammography, breast ultrasound, breast MRI, stereotactic and ultrasound guided breast biopsy.

Kent will also have an information table at the Gloria Gemma Flames of Hope on Saturday, Oct. 10 at 5:30 p.m. in Providence.

In addition, the hospital will have a presence at the Warwick Mall throughout the month of October with kiosk space. Look for the Kent booth and a representative from the hospital during normal mall operating hours. Staff will be on hand to provide information and resources on breast health, mammogram scheduling and other information on services offered to the community.