In February 0f 2004 Gifford began offering free health screenings for older men in communities surrounding Randolph.  Its goal: to detect any of the four most common medical conditions facing older Vermont men: heart disease, prostate cancer, colon cancer, and skin cancer.   This will be the first such program offered by Gifford Medical Center, providing Men's Health Screening free of charge.

Men participating in the Barron Program are screened not only by a qualified nurse, but by a Gifford physician provider as well. The clinics in Bethel, Rochester and Chelsea will provide screening services one time per month, as will our primary care department in Randolph. The program includes history and risk factor screening, physical exams, laboratory tests, and educational materials. We sincerely hope this program helps improve access and awareness for the men in Vermont communities.

Ten percent of proceeds from sales of any artistic work by Bill Barron will be donated to this fund.

December 2005 Update

We have successfully completed our first year of the Barron Men’s Screening program and are proud to share our results with you.  Seventy men were able to utilize these free clinics.  Screenings focused on the four most common diseases facing Vermont men today, skin cancer, heart disease, prostate and colon cancer.  The contribution of Joyce’s friends and family, in addition to a generous grant from the Gifford Community Health Foundation, will continue to benefit many more men in the future. 

 We are fortunate to have a dedicated team at Gifford who see the value of the program and offer their expertise to those that need it the most.  Gifford providers and specialists were willing to donate their time and expertise to the screenings allowing us to offer the clinics multiple nights.  The reactions to this program have been very positive and appreciative. 

In many instances the men seen did not have insurance, and these advertised free screenings allowed them to comfortably come and receive care, not worrying about how it will be paid for.  Educational materials were distributed to each patient and those who needed follow-up care were directed to an appropriate provider.

Thank you again.  The civic-minded choices of Joyce Barron’s family are a real benefit to Gifford and the men we serve.  With your ongoing support, Gifford can continue to improve the health of the people and communities we serve by providing high quality, accessible health care.

Here’s to a happy, healthy 2006