Access to health screenings for those who need it most
Penn Medicine is committed to improving our community’s health by offering free and low-cost health services, including screenings, immunizations, counseling, and education programs. These services are available for adults and children and aim to increase access to essential care, particularly for underserved communities.
Cancer screenings
Penn Medicine offers screenings for breast, cervical, colorectal, prostate, and lung cancers at many of our locations throughout the region.
Other community vaccine resources for children
Families with insurance that doesn’t cover immunizations or high deductibles can access vaccines through the following programs:
- PA Department of Health Services: 717-299-7597
- Union community care: 717-299-6371
- Welsh mountain medical and dental center: 717-354-4711
Free and confidential HIV testing
We provide free, confidential HIV testing at our Comprehensive Care practice in Lancaster. No appointment is needed. The test uses no needles and provides results in 20 minutes. HIV testing is also available at many Penn Medicine family medicine practices with proof of insurance.
- Only an HIV test shows if you are infected with HIV. Other routine blood tests you get during a physical exam don’t show if you have HIV. Neither do tests for other sexually transmitted diseases such as herpes, chlamydia, or gonorrhea.
- It may take up to three months for HIV antibodies (made by your body to fight the virus) to show up in a test. If you get tested within three months after possible exposure, you could have HIV, but it may not show. During this time, which varies from person to person, you can still pass HIV to others. If you think you may have been infected with HIV, talk to your doctor or nurse about getting an HIV test, the possible need for follow-up testing, and how to prevent transmitting HIV to others.
- A person with HIV can look and feel healthy and still infect others. HIV can affect anyone, regardless of background. Early diagnosis allows for treatment that can help you live a long and healthy life and reduce the risk of transmission to others. Testing is crucial for family planning and managing health.
- Knowing if you have HIV is very important if you’re planning a family—a woman with HIV can pass it to her baby during pregnancy, labor or breastfeeding.
Ask your doctor which type of test you should have. The test options include:
- A blood test from a vein
- A rapid finger-prick test, with results in minutes
For more information, contact the Penn Medicine Lancaster General Health Physicians Comprehensive Care team or consult your family doctor about including an HIV test in your wellness visit.
Free and confidential HIV testing
Penn Medicine, in collaboration with the PennKDSAP program and community organizations, offers free health screenings. These events are designed to increase awareness of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and other health conditions. Screenings are conducted at community centers, churches, and other local venues. All participants are treated with respect and compassion to ensure a positive experience.
The program includes:
- Medical history evaluation
- BMI measurement
- Blood pressure and blood glucose testing
- Urinalysis to assess kidney health and co-morbidities like hypertension and diabetes
- Physician consultations with nephrologists
- Follow-up resources with social workers and complimentary clinics
If you would like to request a free health screening for your community center or event, email PennKDSAP@gmail.com.
Additional health screenings and resources
Menopause education
Our certified menopause educators are available to provide guidance and answer personal questions to help women navigate the physical and emotional challenges of menopause.
Breast and cervical screenings
Income-eligible women with limited or no insurance can access free screening mammograms and Pap tests at community locations throughout Penn Medicine.