MAY 8, 2025

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT: Whitney Jones, Marketing &Communications Director (985) 284-2491

Hood Memorial Hospital Partners with

American Lung for Free Lung Cancer Screenings
Louisiana Lung Cancer Screening Initiative offers free screenings for eligible Louisianans

Amite, La. – Hood Memorial Hospital is proud to announce its partnership with the American Lung Association in the Louisiana Lung Cancer Screening Initiative.The program offers free lung cancer screenings to eligible Louisiana residents through November 30, 2025. Individuals who meet criteria can call 844-ALA-LUNG(844-252-5864) to schedule a screening.

Individuals must meet the following criteria to be eligible:

·        50– 80 years of age

·        Have a 20 pack-year history of smoking (one pack a day for 20 years or two packs a day for 10 years)

·        Currently smoke or have quit within the last 15 years

“Access to free lung cancer screenings can mean the difference between early treatment and late-stage diagnosis. By removing cost and transportation barriers, we’re giving our neighbors a real chance at better health and longer lives,” remarks Wendy Helms, Diagnostic Services Director.

Early detection is essential when it comes to lung cancer, the leading cause of cancer deaths in Louisiana and nationally. When the disease is detected at anearlier stage, it is more likely to be curable. In fact, if lung cancer is caught before it spreads, the likelihood of surviving five years or moreimproves to 64%.

Only about 15% of high-risk Louisianans are getting screened. The Louisiana Lung Cancer Screening Initiative seeks to increase awareness of lifesaving scans and reduce barriers to care.

“With the Louisiana Lung Cancer Screening Initiative, we hope to empower the Amite community to understand their risk for lung cancer and eligibility for a lifesaving low-dose CT scan,” said Allie Kelsey, Manager of Health Promotions at the Lung Association. “We are excited to collaborate with Hood Memorial on thisimportant initiative. Together, we can make meaningful strides in increasing lung cancer screening rates and saving lives in Louisiana."

For more information about the Louisiana Lung Cancer Screening Initiative or to learn if you are eligible for a lung cancer screening, please visit Lung.org/lcs-assistance or call 844-ALA-LUNG(844-252-5864). The scans are covered by most insurance plans. However, theLung Association can assist with financial barriers by covering the screening costs for all eligible individuals. Assistance with financial barriers, including arranging a free ride to the screening location, is available.

‍About Hood Memorial Hospital
Hood Memorial Hospital is an acute and specialty care hospital that exists to provide premium quality healthcare services to residents and visitors of thetri-parish area of Tangipahoa, St. Helena, and Washington. Hood also offers outpatient and diagnostic services, as well as preventive, primary and urgentcare for patients of all ages through its Amite Rural Health Clinic. Both the hospital and clinic share the same mission and goal of providing the highestlevel of care affordable and incorporating empathy, compassion, and a hometown approach to those served.

About the American Lung Association
The American Lung Association is the leading organization working to save lives by improving lung health and preventing lung disease through education,advocacy and research. The work of the American Lung Association is focused on four strategic imperatives: to defeat lung cancer; to champion clean air forall; to improve the quality of life for those with lung disease and their families; and to create a tobacco-free future. For more information about theAmerican Lung Association, which has a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator and is a Platinum-Level GuideStar Member, call 1-800-LUNGUSA (1-800-586-4872) orvisit: Lung.org. To support the work of the American Lung Association, find a local event at Lung.org/events.

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