Jordan Graves Foundation Partners with American Lung Association to Save Lives by Increasing Lung Cancer Screenings in the Acadiana Area

Jordan Graves is proud to announce its partnership with the American Lung Association in the Louisiana Lung Cancer Screening Initiative. The program offers free lung cancer screenings to eligible Louisiana residents through November 30.

Early detection is essential when it comes to lung cancer, the leading cause of cancer deaths in Louisiana and nationally. When the disease is detected at an earlier stage, it is more likely to be curable. In fact, if lung cancer is caught before it spreads, the likelihood of surviving five years or more improves to 64%.

Only about 15% of high-risk Louisianans are getting screened. The Louisiana Lung Cancer Screening Initiative seeks to increase awareness of lifesaving scans and reducing barriers to care.

“By partnering with the Lung Association through the Lung Cancer Screening Initiative, we hope to increase the number of screenings in our area and help individuals get early detection and accesses to care,” said Paula Jordan, Executive Director.  This initiative is near and dear to my heart, having lost my grandmother and aunt to lung cancer within a year of each other.  Had my grandmother and aunt been screened and diagnosed early, their chances for survival would have increased.  I don’t’ want any family to experience the loss my family suffered due to this disease.”

Individuals in the Acadiana area, are encouraged to participate in the program. Individuals must meet the following criteria to be eligible:

• 50 – 80 years of age
• Have a 20 pack-year history of smoking (one pack a day for 20 years or two packs a day for 10 years)
• Currently smoke or have quit within the last 15 years

“With the Louisiana Lung Cancer Screening Initiative, we hope to empower the Acadiana area to understand their risk for lung cancer and eligibility for a lifesaving low-dose CT scan,” said Allie Kelsey, Manager of Health Promotions at the Lung Association “We are excited to collaborate with Jordan Graves on this important initiative. Together, we can make meaningful strides in increasing lung cancer screening rates and saving lives in Louisiana."

For more information about the Louisiana Lung Cancer Screening Initiative or to learn if you are eligible for a lung cancer screening, please visit Lung.org/lcs-assistance or call 844-ALA-LUNG (844-252-5864). The scans are covered by most insurance plans. However, the Lung Association can assist with financial barriers by covering the screening costs for all eligible individuals. Assistance with financial barriers, including arranging a free ride to the screening location, is available.

Arcadiana area includes St. Landry, Evangeline, Lafayette, Iberia, St. Martin, Vermillion and Acadia parishes.

About Jordan Graves Foundation

The Jordan Graves Foundation was founded to improve the quality of life of all individuals in the communities we serve through education and advocacy.  The initiatives of the Jordan Graves Foundation include:  health and wellness awareness campaigns and support to the homeless and reentry populations. For more information about Jordan Graves Foundation, e-mail pjordan@jordangravesfoundation.org.