Women’s Health Fair 2025

Screening and early detection of breast and cervical cancer is the most effective way to successfully overcome and survive a dire diagnosis. With that in mind, the Shoals Community Clinic, in partnership with the UNA Anderson College of Nursing and Health Professions, Florence Pathology Service, Tri-State Center for Breast Health, and Lauderdale County Radiology, will host the annual Catherine Barnes Women's Health Fair on October 20th and 24th at the clinic at 309-B WC Handy Place in Florence.

This fair will offer free cervical and breast exams, free mammograms and pap smears, with some restrictions, for women age 40-64 who do not have health insurance or a primary healthcare provider. This is part of the clinic’s Well Woman Project and is supported by the Alabama Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program. This program is part of a nationwide initiative launched by the Center for Disease Control (CDC) which has benefited thousands of women across the state who would have not had access to this preventative care. Because of this program, hundreds of lives of women in Alabama are saved each year.

The Catherine Barnes Women’s Health Fair is named after one of the clinic’s founding officers and first directors, Catherine Semmes Barnes, who was an inspiration to women fighting this disease. Experts estimate that about one out of every eight women born today will be diagnosed with breast cancer at some time during her life. Early detection is a key factor in treating and surviving a possible cancer diagnosis, so it is very important that everyone consult with their healthcare provider to schedule regular exams.

For more information, or to set up an appointment for the health fair, call Shoals Community Clinic at (256) 760-4713.