In honor of National Cervical Cancer Awareness Month, the Humboldt Community Breast Health Project wants to recognize local medical providers who provide free pap tests to income-eligible women.

Pap tests are used to screen for changes to the cells of the cervix caused by Human Papillomavirus (HPV), which is the most common sexually transmitted infection in the United States. most people with HPV do not develop symptoms or health problems. But, sometimes certain types of HPV can cause cervical cancer. If detected early, cervical cancer is nearly 100 percent curable. This is why women should have routine pap tests at the age of 21. a vaccine for HPV is available and recommended for women ages 9 through 26.

Women whose incomes are at or below 200 percent of the Federal poverty level can receive free cervical cancer screening through programs known as Family PACT (FPACT) and Cancer Detection Program: Every Woman Counts (CDP:EWC). the local medical providers who participate in these programs are listed below. Clinic locations are provided below.

* Fortuna Family Medical Group, 725-3334.

* Redwood Women’s Health in Fortuna, 725-6108.

* Redwood Rural Health Center in Redway, 923-2783.

* Southern Humboldt Community Clinic in Garberville, 923-3925.