Women's Health Awareness


Elizabeth Levrets
325.677.5321 ext. 110

About the Program...

Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among women aside from skin cancer. In 2010, there were more than 2.5 million breast cancer survivors in the U.S. About 70-80% of breast cancers occur in women who have no family history of breast cancer. Pap tests can find abnormal cells that may turn into cervical cancer, and can find cervical cancer early, when the chance of being cured is very high. The number of women between the ages of 18 and 64 in Taylor County who were without insurance coverage was 19,334 in 2007. That equals over 15% of the population of Taylor County. If 51.7% of the total population is female, then almost 30% of women residing in Taylor County are uninsured! The Texas Cancer Registry lists Breast Cancer as the leading type of cancer diagnosed in Taylor County in 2011. According to their estimates, 77 women in Taylor County will be diagnosed with Breast Cancer and 17 will lose their lives.

The Alliance for Women & Children battles these statistics by offering women no excuse to go without a mammogram or Pap test. If a woman has health insurance, most will cover a mammogram and Pap test as preventative care with no charge. If a woman does not have health insurance and meets financial requirements of the program, the Alliance for Women & Children will cover the cost of a mammogram and/or Pap test free of charge with one of our contracted physicians. read less...
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  • What do I need to do at 20?
    The American Cancer Society suggests a woman receive her initial Pap test to screen for cervical cancer beginning three years after they begin having vaginal intercourse and no later than age 21. Pap tests should be conducted every year using conventional Pap tests or every other year using a liquid based Pap test.

    Women in their 20’s should also conduct monthly self breast exams and have a clinical breast exam conducted by their physician every three years.

    Shower cards – demonstrating how to conduct a self breast exam and reminding you to do so monthly – are available at the Alliance for Women & Children.

  • What do I need to do at 30?
    The American Cancer Society suggests a woman beginning at age 30, who have had 3 normal Pap test results in a row to be screened every 2 to 3 years. Women older than 30 may also get screened every 3 years with either the conventional or liquid-based Pap test, plus the human papilloma virus (HPV) test. Women who have had a total hysterectomy (removal of the uterus and cervix) may also choose to stop having Pap tests, unless the surgery was done as a treatment for cervical cancer or pre-cancer. Women who have had a hysterectomy without removal of the cervix should continue to have Pap tests.

    At age 30, women should conduct monthly self breast exams and have a clinical breast exam conducted by their physician every three years.

    Shower cards – demonstrating how to conduct a self breast exam and reminding you to do so monthly – are available at the Alliance for Women & Children.

  • What do I need to do at 40?
    The American Cancer Society suggests a woman beginning at age 30, who have had 3 normal Pap test results in a row to be screened every 2 to 3 years. Women older than 30 may also get screened every 3 years with either the conventional or liquid-based Pap test, plus the human papilloma virus (HPV) test. Women who have had a total hysterectomy (removal of the uterus and cervix) may also choose to stop having Pap tests, unless the surgery was done as a treatment for cervical cancer or pre-cancer. Women who have had a hysterectomy without removal of the cervix should continue to have Pap tests.

    Women in their 40’s should conduct monthly self breast exams and have clinical breast exams conducted yearly by their physician. The American Cancer Society also states yearly mammograms are recommended starting at age 40 and continuing for as long as a woman is in good health.

    Shower cards – demonstrating how to conduct a self breast exam and reminding you to do so monthly – are available at the Alliance for Women & Children.

  • What do I need to do at 50 or 60?
    The American Cancer Society suggests a woman beginning at age 30, who have had 3 normal Pap test results in a row to be screened every 2 to 3 years. Women older than 30 may also get screened every 3 years with either the conventional or liquid-based Pap test, plus the human papilloma virus (HPV) test. Women who have had a total hysterectomy (removal of the uterus and cervix) may also choose to stop having Pap tests, unless the surgery was done as a treatment for cervical cancer or pre-cancer. Women who have had a hysterectomy without removal of the cervix should continue to have Pap tests.

    Women in their 50’s should conduct monthly self breast exams and have clinical breast exams conducted yearly by their physician. The American Cancer Society also states yearly mammograms are recommended starting at age 40 and continuing for as long as a woman is in good health.

    Shower cards – demonstrating how to conduct a self breast exam and reminding you to do so monthly – are available at the Alliance for Women & Children.

  • What do I need to do at 70?
    The American Cancer Society suggests women 70 years of age or older who have had 3 or more normal Pap tests in a row and no abnormal Pap test results in the last 10 years may choose to stop having Pap tests. Women have a 1 in 8 chance of being diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime and that risk increases with age.

    Women over the age of 70 should conduct monthly self breast exams and have clinical breast exams conducted yearly by their physician. The American Cancer Society also states yearly mammograms are recommended starting at age 40 and continuing for as long as a woman is in good health.

    Shower cards – demonstrating how to conduct a self breast exam and reminding you to do so monthly – are available at the Alliance for Women & Children.

  • How do I get a mammogram?
    The first step to getting a mammogram is having a clinical breast exam in your physician’s office. Your doctor will do a physical exam on your breasts to determine which type of mammogram you will need him to order. If he finds everything to be normal, he will order a screening mammogram which usually includes 2-4 views (pictures) of the breasts by the radiologist. If he finds any abnormality, he may order a diagnostic mammogram which includes more views (pictures) of the breasts. In addition, he may order a sonogram which uses the same technology used by obstetricians to see a baby in a pregnant woman’s belly. Then, the doctor will write you an order to schedule the mammogram at the hospital or mammography center.

    If you have private insurance, traditional Medicaid, Medicare Part-B, or other third party insurance, the insurance company typically covers the mammogram as a preventative measure. You can call your insurance company to find out if you will have a co-pay of any time and if this procedure is covered.

    If your insurance does not cover mammograms or your deductible must be met first and it is too high, you may qualify for a free mammogram through the Women’s Health Awareness program.

    If you do not have insurance, you may qualify for a free mammogram through the Women’s Health Awareness program.



  • How do I get a Pap test?
    If you have private insurance, traditional Medicaid, Medicare Part-B, or other third party insurance, the insurance company typically covers the Pap test as a preventative measure. You can call your insurance company to find out if you will have a co-pay of any time and if this procedure is covered.

    If your insurance does not cover Pap tests or your deductible must be met first and it is too high, you may qualify for a free mammogram through the Women’s Health Awareness program.

    If you do not have insurance and are still able to have children, you may qualify for a Pap test through a family planning clinic.

    If you do not have insurance and do not qualify for services through a family planning clinic, you may qualify for a free Pap test through the Women’s Health Awareness program.

  • How do I know if I qualify for a mammogram or Pap test through the Women’s Health Awareness program?
    To qualify for services, a woman must meet age (18-64 years), income (200% or less of Federal Poverty Guidelines), and residency (resident of the state of Texas) requirements. See the income guidelines below:

    Family Size

    Annual Maximum

    Monthly Maximum

    1 Person

    $22,340

    $1,862

    2 People

    $30,620

    $2,522

    3 People

    $38,180

    $3,182

    4 People

    $46,100

    $3,842

    5 People

    $54,020

    $4,502

    6 People

    $61,940

    $5,162

    7 People

    $69,860

    $5,822

    8 People

    $77,780

    $6,482
    If you think you do NOT qualify for the program, please still contact us as we may be able to refer you to other organizations to receive your medical services. For example, the Vera West Hope Fund may be able to help you get your mammogram. Just contact us and we will help you with this.

    If you think you do qualify for the program, complete an application under the FORMS section of this web page.

    To accommodate our diverse community, all health education and information is made available in both English and Spanish.

  • How do I apply for services?
      See Forms section at top of page for an electronic copy of the application.
      Print, complete and mail the application to:
      WHA Program
      1350 N. 10th St.
      Abilene, TX 79601

      OR

      Complete and Fax to:       325.673.1162

      OR

      Download, complete and email with attachments to:

  • Our Staff
    The Women’s Health Awareness (WHA) Program educates women on important health practices and provides breast and cervical cancer screening and diagnostic services for women in 21 counties in West Central Texas. If you are a resident of Texas, are uninsured or underinsured, and meet certain income requirements, the WHA staff may be able to assist you with breast or cervical cancer screenings. You may know someone who meets these guidelines and can share this information with them. If so, we want you to know these incredible women who are here to serve women.

    • Elizabeth Levrets, Program Manager
      Elizabeth Levrets is the WHA Program Manager. She comes to the Alliance with a depth of management experience as an Area Sales Manager at Dilliard’s Department Store and as an Operations Manager at Bank of America in Dallas with several management positions in both Texas and Rhode Island. Elizabeth has a heart for women and says, “Being a part of the Women’s Health Awareness Program here at the Alliance has been the most fulfilling and rewarding position and partnership I have ever had. And I’m not leaving until they kick me out!”


    • Amy Fulcher, Case Manager
      Amy Fulcher is the WHA Case Manager. Amy has a broad scope of experience in both management and health care. She has volunteered in “Bunco for Breast Cancer” that benefits the Women’s Health Awareness Program for 10 years. Because her mother was an employee with Hendrick and the Vera West Women’s Center for over 30 years, she has a very helpful and unique perspective that she is able to use with our clients who are diagnosed with cancer or have abnormalities. She is a part of the Women’s Health Program because she believes strongly in our program and the services we provide, and her goal is to help and reach out to as many women as possible through our services.


    • Jessica Kincannon, Eligibility Specialist
      Jessica Kincannon returns to the Alliance as the WHA Eligibility Specialist, after 5 and ½ year of previous experience with us. She has worked for the Alliance in eligibility, case management and outreach. She has two grown daughters and six grandchildren, and they are her pride and joy. Jessica works in Women’s Health because she enjoys serving others and she is a HUGE believer in survivorship. We are so blessed to have her as a part of our organization.


    • Vinita Shuffield, Database Coordinator
      Vinita Shuffield joins the team as the WHA Database Coordinator with over 10 years of experience with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas as a medical billing claims processor. She has joined Women’s Health since retiring in 2012 and has a vested interest in the Women’s Health Program because not only did she have two very close friends taken by cancer, what we do for our clients is very near and dear to her heart.
    • Kelly Garcia, Outreach Coordinator
      Kelly Garcia rounds out the team as the WHA Outreach Coordinator. Kelly’s previous experience includes 20 years working in Health Care, most recently with a Pediatric Dentist. Her personal experience with breast cancer and her love for our Women’s Health Program has made her the perfect fit for providing outreach and education to the women that we serve.


  • Our Partners
    Hendrick Abilene Regional Medical Center
    RPMH Shannon

    Abilene Diagnostic Clinic
    Anatomical Medical Laboratories
    Dr. Charles Anderson
    Abilene Regional Medical Center
    Clinical Partners
    Clinical Pathology Associates
    Dr. John Cole
    Hendrick Anesthesia Network
    Hendrick Medical Center
    Dr. Lufkin Moses
    Dr. Kathryn Norton
    Dr. Robert Ogdee
    ProPath
    Radiology Associates of Abilene, P.A.
    Dr. Richard Reinmund
    Rolling Plains Memorial Hospital

    Rolling Plains Physician Office
    Rolling Plains Rural Health Clinic
    Shannon Medical Center
    Shannon Clinic
    Dr. Jerry Sinclair
    Dr. Richard Stanley
    Dr. J. Leonard Tadvick
    Dr. Leigh Taliaferro
    Texas Midwest Surgery Center
    Dr. Gary Walker
    Dr. Ellen Wathall
      West Texas Radiology Group, P.A.
    Williams, Trotter, and Associates

    Dr. James Yost


  • Frequently Asked Questions
    • Do I need to perform a monthly self exam?
      Written instruction for self-exams are available at the Alliance for Women & Children office or you healthcare provider’s office. If you feel a lump, don’t be frightened. More than 80% of lumps are not cancerous, but you should see a doctor as soon as possible.
    • What is a clinical breast exam (CBE) and why do I need it?
      Starting at age 20, you should have a healthcare provider examine your breast each year. They can detect symptoms you might not notice. You will need a CBE to begin the process for our services as it will indicate any specific concerns to be considered at the time of the mammogram.
    • What exactly is a mammogram?
      A mammogram is a special X-Ray of the breast that can show even small Breast Cancer before you or your doctor can feel it. Mammograms are very safe and could save your life. Click here to receive sign-up for yearly reminders and set appointments.
    • Do you offer Pap smears or gynecological exams?
      Yes, if you meet the qualifications, a Pap smear may be covered and included at the time of your CBE (Clinical Breast Exam).
    • If additional imaging or a biopsy is recommended after my mammogram, will the Alliance for Women & Children cover this?
      Yes, all costs up to a benign or malignant cancer diagnosis are covered.
    • Should I get a screening mammogram every year?
      Women ages 40-49 are allowed a screening mammogram every other year; Women ages 50+ are allowed a screening mammogram each year. However, if you are experiencing a problem such as nipple discharge, you have discovered a lump, etc. we may be able to assist you annually regardless of your age.
    • If I am less than 40 years old and discover a lump on my breast, will the Alliance for Women & Children be able to help me?
      Yes, if your CBE (Clinical Breast Exam) indicates there is an issue, we will be able to assist.
    • What are some of the breast cancer symptoms?
      The widespread use of screening mammograms has increased the number of breast cancers found before they cause any symptoms, but some are still missed.

      The most common sign of breast cancer is a new lump or mass. A lump that is painless, hard, and has uneven edges is more likely to be cancer. But some cancers are tender, soft, and rounded. So it's important to have anything unusual checked by a doctor. Other signs of breast cancer include the following:

      • Swelling of all or part of the breast
      • Skin irritation or dimpling
      • Breast pain
      • Nipple pain or the nipple turning inward
      • Redness, scaliness, or thickening of the nipple or breast skin
      • A nipple discharge other than breast milk

      Sometimes breast cancer can spread to lymph nodes under the arm and cause a lump or swelling there, even before the tumor in the breast tissue is large enough to be felt.

      If you have any symptoms that might be a sign of breast cancer, be sure see a doctor as soon as you can. from www.cancer.org – The American Cancer Society’s Website
    • Is the Alliance for Women & Children able to assist men that need mammograms?
      No, at this time we are not. Please contact Hendrick Medical Center for further information and patient assistance.
    • How do I obtain and submit an application for services?
      You may print the application (click here for the PDF) and e-mail it to womenshealthawareness@afwconline.org, please be sure to include all the documents requested, drop by our office at 1350 North Tenth to pick up an application and ask any questions or, contact us at (325) 677-5321 to request an application to be mailed to you.
    • I submitted my application but no one has contacted me. What should I do?
      Please contact us and we will work with you to answer your questions. It does take us some time (up to 10 business days) to process your application. However, we understand the anxiety that can exist when we are concerned about our health, so we will do everything we can to help you move through this process quickly and easily. You can contact us at 325-677-5321 ext 108 or .
    • Who will have access to my Medical information at the Alliance for Women & Children?
      Only staff at the Alliance and the medical providers with whom we contract will have access. We have strict confidentiality guidelines in place and, follow the same HIPAA rules and regulations as all Physician’s Offices and Hospitals. All client information is strictly confidential.
    • What services will be available to me if I am diagnosed with breast or cervical cancer?
      Our staff will provide you with an application for Medicaid for Breast and Cervical Cancer Services (MBCC) and, assist you with completing it if needed. They will also submit it for approval and, contact you when your application has been processed. This normally takes 5-10 business days.
    • Do you help with hysterectomies?
      If you are diagnosed with cervical cancer, the Women’s Health Awareness program will help you apply for Medicaid for Breast and Cervical Cancer and if your doctor believes you need a hysterectomy, it may be covered by this Medicaid. If you are not diagnosed with cervical cancer, we are unable to help you get a hysterectomy. We would encourage you to discuss payment options with the hospital’s patient resources department and your physician.
    • Do you help with ovarian cancer?
      The Women’s Health Awareness program is funded by the Texas Department of State Health Services Breast and Cervical Cancer Services program. Therefore, we are only funded to cover breast or cervical cancer services. So, we are unable to assist with ovarian cancer issues. We would be glad to refer you to a local gynecologist.
    • Do you help with endometriosis?
      The Women’s Health Awareness program is funded by the Texas Department of State Health Services Breast and Cervical Cancer Services program. Therefore, we are only funded to cover breast or cervical cancer services. So, we are unable to assist with endometriosis issues. We would be glad to refer you to a local gynecologist.
    • Do you speak Spanish?
      The Alliance for Women & Children is proud to serve clients of all cultures and backgrounds. We strive to keep Spanish speaking volunteers and will do our best to assist our Spanish speaking clients.
    • What if I have already had breast cancer?
      If you qualify for our program, we will assist you with being screened annually no matter your age. We would simply need you to provide us with the pathology report diagnosing your breast cancer.
    • What if I have already had cervical cancer?
      If you qualify for our program, we will assist you with being screened annually no matter your age. We would simply need you to provide us with the pathology report diagnosing your cervical cancer.