This year, a record 600 women living in Anne Arundel County were provided with free well-women health screenings through services offered by Pasadena’s Magothy Health Center on Mountain Road.
For eight years, program supervisor Amy Kane has been dedicated to the continued success and outreach of the health center.
“We try to help educate and empower women,” she said.
Prior to becoming supervisor, Kane worked as a registered nurse in a neonatal and pediatric intensive care unit. She started working at the center as a nurse case manager after relocating to Pasadena.
“I still remember my first cancer patient. She still calls me, she gives me an update every six months,” she said.
Her duties range from paying bills to grant writing to being the liaison between the Health Department and the center.
Utilizing grants from the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention, Cigarette Restitution Fund, as well as county, state and federal government, Magothy Health Center offers annual medical screenings such as mammograms, and Pap and HPV testing, for eligible women.
Once a woman visits the center and fills out the necessary paperwork, she may be screened within the next few days.
This year, the center has paid for roughly 1,700 procedures. The total out-of-pocket cost for a typical well-woman visit can be upwards of $1,000, Kane said.
All testing is completed at local medical offices by medical professionals who have a contract with the center. There are 42 providers in the center’s database.
The center also pays for patients who need further diagnostic services, like breast or cervical biopsies.
Furthermore, the center will assist patients diagnosed with breast or cervical cancer with enrollment into a program through the Maryland Department of Health called Diagnosis and Treatment. This program pays for cancer treatment, surgery and reconstructive procedures related to their cancer diagnosis.
“Our patients go to the radiology facilities that everyone who has health insurance goes to,” Kane said.
She says discretion is important to the center. When patients arrive to the doctor’s office, they present a coupon during intake.
Aside from screenings, staff members also help women navigate their health insurance, schedule appointments and inform patients about resources such as energy assistance.
The number of women taking advantage of the center’s services has increased this year. Kane believes the increase is due to community outreach by the center’s all-female staff and their efforts to employ multilingual personnel.
The center receives additional monetary support from a thrift store located at the back of the building. Even though space is limited, Magothy Thrift Shop offers a variety of clothing for women, men and children, as well as household goods and toys. Furniture and other bulky items are not accepted.
The Magothy Health Association is the corporate structure responsible for operating the store, which is open 10 a.m.- 1 p.m. Wednesday and 10 a.m.- 2 p.m. Saturdays. The association is seeking additional volunteers to work in the thrift store.
Pasadena resident, John Clark, is president of the Magothy Health Association. He’s been involved with the shop since 2006.
“It’s a need I never knew was there until I got involved,” he said.
Over the years, the association has helped make improvements to the center including painting the interior of the office and replacing a refrigerator, oil tank, HVAC system, and windows.
“(The association’s) very generous to the building,” Kane said, “if I need anything I call.”
Women may be eligible for assistance through Magothy Health Center if they have low or no income, reside in Anne Arundel County, have no health insurance or have insurance that doesn’t cover cervical or breast diagnostic services, or are insured but must meet a high deductible, and be 40 years or older.
However, services are available for women ages 30 to 39 who have a doctor-documented health problem and need further diagnostic testing.
Magothy Health Center has been serving the community’s health needs since 1938. Originally, the center was as a clinic for pregnant women and children, however, in 1994 the center switched to offering women’s wellness screenings.
Kane says her work at Magothy Health Center has been very rewarding. She knows numerous women whose lives were saved after a well-woman visit.
“No, I’m not pushing meds or thumping on someone’s chest to save a life, I’m saving lives by providing screenings,” she said.
For more information about Magothy Health Center call 410-222-6180. To volunteer with Magothy Association email Clark at johnclarklakeshorerotary@gmail.com.
Free concert
Downs Park, 8311 Downs Park Loop, is hosting a free outdoor concert 6-8 p.m. on Sunday with music provided by a big band called The Sunset Band. Free parking is offered during the concert.
All are welcome to attend. For additional information, call the park at 410-222-6230.
Church event
C.H.E.R.I.S.H. is hosting a dinner for married couples 5-9 p.m. July 7 at St. Jane Church, 8499 Virginia Ave.
The evening begins with a vigil mass by speaker Father Vin Arisukwu and is followed by a dinner of Florentine meatballs with fettuccini alfredo, salad, bread and a variety of desserts.
This is a free event, but donations are accepted. Reservations must be made by July 3 by calling 410-382-8201.
This article has been revised to correct the spelling of the president of the Magothy Health Association’s name. He is John Clark.
