Boo Bingo Raises Cancer Awareness

Sunday, Oct. 11, is the “scary” day for a good cause in Scobey when the annual Boo Bingo event takes place at the Scobey Lutheran Church from 12:30 to 2 p.m.

The Daniels Cancer Coalition in partnership with Daniels County Health Department organizes this popular fundraiser each year.

“Funds raised are used to assist people in our community with expenses associated with cancer treatments or screening,” LeeAnn Danelson, Daniels County Health Department’s chronic disease program director, said.

Community members are encouraged to donate Bingo prizes or bucket auction prizes for the event. Donations can be dropped off at the health department or you can call 406-487-5560.

Admission is $5. Boo Bingo is conducted in October in recognition of national Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

“It’s a nice little reminder,” Danelson said of Boo Bingo. “It’s a family affair.”

In addition, NEMHS of Wolf Point, Tough Enough to Wear Pink and the Daniels County Health Department are partnering to bring Tough Enough To Wear Pink Mammogram Day on Wednesday, Oct. 14. Tough Enough to Wear Pink, the Daniels County Health Department and Sheridan Memorial Hospital that day for Mammogram Day.

Tough Enough to Wear Pink provides free mammograms that day to any women 40 years old or older that have no insurance. If they have insurance but are under insured, they can be put on the Montana Breast and Cervical Screening Program if they meet eligibility requirements.

“Tough Enough to Wear Pink of Montana raises money for breast cancer awareness, screening and direct financial support for Montana patients,” Danelson said. “The Montana chapter of the national Tough Enough to Wear Pink campaign operates independently and with a clear rule: all money raised in Montana stays in Montana. That’s not a marketing line — it shapes how the organization distributes everything it takes in.”

She added, “The practical work includes sponsoring Mammogram Day each year, coordinating with the Montana Cancer Screening program and local facilities to provide free mammograms to women who might not otherwise access them.”

The Montana Cancer Screening Program can pay for breast and cervical screenings for women who qualify based on age, income and insurance status. The program can also help pay for diagnostic testing for the follow-up of abnormal screening tests. Individuals with insurance may qualify.

Screening services include mammograms, clinical breast exams, Pap tests and pelvic exams for the early detection of breast and cervical cancers. Diagnostic testing is also provided for the follow-up of abnormal screening tests. You may qualify if you have no insurance, you only have coverage through IHS/ Tribal Health, or if you have insurance with a deductible of $200 or more.

For program eligibility in Region 11 (Daniels, Sheridan, Roosevelt and Valley counties), call the Daniels County Health Department at 406-487-5560.