Importance of Pap tests

The state Department of Health and Human Services reminds Maine women about the importance of regular Pap tests to prevent cervical cancer.

January is National Cervical Cancer Awareness Month.

Now is the perfect time for women to make an appointment for a Pap test, especially if it has been five or more years since their last screening.

Women who do not have regular Pap tests are at highest risk of developing cervical cancer. Most cervical cancer is caused by the human papilloma virus. According to the Maine Center for Disease Control, cancer of the cervix can almost always be prevented if a woman has regular Pap tests to detect early cell changes.

“Many women don’t have Pap tests because of the cost and they don’t have insurance” said Dr. Dora Ann Mills, director of Maine CDC. “There is a state program that may be able to provide assistance. All women need to do is call.”

For women who are financially eligible, the Maine Breast and Cervical Health Program of the Maine CDC provides free breast and cervical cancer screening.

To qualify, a woman must be 40 and older; meet certain income guidelines; have no health insurance, including MaineCare and Medicare Part B, or have insurance that does not cover screening services. For information, call 800-350-5180.

Pine Tree Camp fundraiser

NEWPORT – Pine Tree Camp will host an antiques appraisal fair from noon to 4 p.m. Sat., Feb. 2, at the American Legion Hall, 82 North St. The event, which is part of the 2008 Dead River Co. Snowmobile Ride-in to benefit Pine Tree Camp, will feature professional appraisers Kaja Veilleux and John Bottero of Thomaston Place Auction Galleries. Veilleux and Bottero will provide onsite appraisals of any antique or collectible item brought to the fair.

“I am very excited that this internationally known auction and appraisal company is donating their time and expertise to this important fundraising event to help us raise needed funds,” said Erin Rice, marketing and communications director of the Pine Tree Society. “This is a wonderful opportunity for people to find out what their family heirlooms and household treasures are worth, while supporting the work of Pine Tree Camp at the same time.”

Participants are encouraged to bring any items that they want to have appraised. If items are too large to be transported to the American Legion Hall, detailed photographs can be used to determine their approximate value. There are no appointments, and each person will have a chance to meet the appraiser on a first come, first served basis. The suggested donation is $5 per item appraised. One hundred percent of the proceeds will benefit the Pine Tree Camp.

The 280-acre camp on North Pond in Rome is fully adapted to meet the special needs of campers. The barrier-free setting and commitment of staff allow campers to participate in activities that normally aren’t available to them, including swimming, fishing, boating, outdoor games, kayaking, arts and crafts and camping in a tent under the stars.

For campers, Pine Tree Camp is a highlight of their year. It gives them the opportunity to spend time with their friends in a setting that meets their unique needs. The camp offers families an extended period of greatly needed respite from care-giving.

Since 1945, Pine Tree Camp has never turned anyone away because they could not afford to pay tuition. This tradition is kept alive by thousands of generous friends, supporters and volunteers. To learn more about Pine Tree Society, visit www.pinetreesociety.org.

Dual Diagnosis training

BANGOR – The Penobscot County Dual Diagnosis Collaborative is an affiliation of consumers and providers that meets to improve the availability and quality of services for individuals with co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders. The organization analyzes existing services, shares information and resources, enhances staff capacity through training and education, and develops and implements solutions for gaps.

The collaborative sponsors six or seven training sessions a year to improve skills of professionals providing services to individuals with co-occurring substance abuse disorders.

The sessions are held in Bangor and are cost-effective: $20 to a provider employed by a member agency, $55 to nonmembers. To qualify for the lower rate, provider must be a member of the collaborative and attend monthly meetings.

The Penobscot County Dual Diagnosis Collaborative meets from noon to 1:30 p.m. monthly at Wings, 900 Hammond St.

For further information, e-mail Martha Greenleaf at hr@noemaine.org.