Panhandle Health District

                                                              8500 N. Atlas Road         Hayden, Idaho  83835

www.phd1.idaho.gov

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                      Date:     January 4, 2008                         

Contact:                                                                                  Released by: Jeanne Bock, Director                     

Cynthia Taggart

Public Information Officer

(208) 415-5108

(208) 818-7288 (cell)

Breast Cancer Treatment Creates Financial Stress

              Two weeks after Lisa Bridge underwent a mastectomy for breast cancer, the WalMart Post Falls employee returned to work and participated in the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure in Coeur d’Alene.

              Bridge learned of her breast cancer from a free mammogram this summer at the Panhandle Health District (PHD). Funds raised from the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure enable PHD to offer free mammograms.

              Because Bridge’s health insurance through work began shortly after her visit to PHD, Bridge was ineligible for Medicaid-funded treatment for her surgery.

              To afford her insurance, she agreed to pay a $1,000 deductible and 20 percent of her medical costs. Bridge’s friends and family have opened the Lisa Bridge Account at Wells Fargo bank in Coeur d’Alene to help with medical costs. To donate, write checks to the Lisa Bridge Account at Wells Fargo Bank, 230 W. Ironwood Dr., Coeur d’Alene, ID, 83814.