Photo & article courtesy of Jamestown Regional Medical Center

JAMESTOWN, N.D. (JRMC) – No Excuses is for women like Nicki Wiederrich. 

Wiederrich, 46, is a single mom living in Edgeley, N.D. In 2019, she worked three jobs to provide for her son, Brennan, then 16. At the time, her jobs – working at the bar, school and grocery store – were part-time and didn’t offer benefits. 

“Back then, I couldn’t have financially afforded this on my own. Especially without health insurance,” Wiederrich said.

She heard about No Excuses through Women’s Way. Women’s Way is a federally funded program created to increase access to breast and cervical cancer screenings for women in North Dakota. One in 17 North Dakota women is eligible for this program. 

No Excuses supports women who don’t qualify for Women’s Way or need additional support outside of Women’s Way. 

No Excuses reduces barriers to care. Established in 2015, the program supports uninsured or underinsured women. It also provides accommodations like transportation or appointments outside of regular business hours. More than 160 women have used the program who’ve needed preventative screenings like cervical tests and 3D mammograms in eight years. 

Wiederrich knew the importance of these screenings. She chaired or co-chaired LaMoure County’s Relay for Life event for five years and listened to cancer survivors’ stories and their barriers to care. 

“There should be no barriers to receiving this care. So many programs exist above and beyond insurance,” she said. “I hope women don’t delay care. Because of Women’s Way and No Excuses, these women certainly don’t have to.”

She scheduled her 3D mammogram for October 2019. 

“The tech made me feel comfortable. She explained everything she did and walked me through the process,” Wiederrich said.

The results returned – nothing abnormal. The results also established a baseline for future images. Most importantly, Wiederrich’s results gave her a sigh of relief and peace of mind. 

WOMEN ARE WORTH IT

In partnership with Central Valley Health District, Jamestown Regional Medical Center offers this all year round. 

“We host special events in October, as we know people think pink this time of year,” said Radiology Manager Jason Schaffer. “However, women can access the No Excuses funding or accommodations anytime.”

Women sometimes feel embarrassed receiving the care or asking for support, said OB/GYN Dr. Emily Stromquist. However, regular cervical screenings and 3D mammograms help women live their best lives.

“Routine care like this is so important,” she said. “Women, you are worth it. A preventative screening often gives peace of mind.”

This year, No Excuses days are set for Monday, Oct. 17 through Wednesday, Oct. 19. However, women can schedule this care anytime. 

Today, Wiederrich serves on JRMC’s Foundation board. She’s also encouraging friends and colleagues to receive this care.

“Women will say to me, ‘I can’t afford this’ or ‘I don’t have time,” she said. “No Excuses means you don’t have to worry about that. I hope women take advantage of this opportunity, just like I did,” she said.

Learn more about No Excuses or schedule an appointment at jrmcnd.com/no-excuses.