Mammographies, a potentially life-saving diagnostic tool in the fight against breast cancer, might be made available soon to men and women who cannot afford them.

Iberia Medical Foundation President Bill Miller, fueled by the loss of a sister and niece to breast cancer, is leading the charge for the foundation’s First Friday Program. Miller said he was introduced to the program in Corpus Christi, Texas. The program provides mammograms based on physician referrals and for those who need them, while also raising awareness for women to remember to schedule the yearly test. He said there are two components to the program, a diagnostic and an educational outreach component.

“A lot of women are falling through the cracks,” he said. “They are uninsured, ineligible for  Medicaid or Medicare and with limited income and just can’t afford these things.”

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Ellen Switzer, marketing director for Iberia Medical Center, said when Miller approached the hospital with the pitch for this program, the hospital “felt we would be able to bring attention to the foundation but also this would be one of the first community services the foundation would be able to provide to the community.”

Miller said applicants will be recommended by their physician and will go through an interview process with the foundation. If they qualify, they will be allowed to have a mammogram at Iberia Medical Center at no cost to them.

Miller said it has taken many partnerships to make the program a reality. The hospital, its staff, local physicians and radiologists are all critical components to making it succeed.

He said anyone can make a monetary contribution to the program through the hospital’s foundation, which will also soon be looking for cancer survivors to serve on its board to plan future events and fundraisers.

Miller said the program is beginning small, but he hopes it will grow to help many more men and women in the community.

Switzer said the hospital is excited to see how the program goes once it gets off the ground.

Organizers expect to begin administering free mammograms to eligible participants in January.

“We have too many women in this community that put their health aside for financial reasons,” she said. “These women need to be reached and their needs met, and hopefully this program will be the beginning of a community outreach for mammographies.”