At Covenant Medical Center, caring for the poor and vulnerable is core to who we are. In 2025, the hospital hosted its 12th Annual Free Colon Cancer Screening Initiative, expanding access to lifesaving preventive care for underserved individuals across the region.
Held at the Covenant Endoscopy Center, the program serves uninsured adults age 45 and older, helping remove barriers to screenings that can detect colorectal cancer early when it is most treatable and often curable.
This year, seven colonoscopies were performed, each representing an opportunity to prevent disease before it starts.
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Four patients had precancerous polyps identified and removed
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One patient received a biopsy for further evaluation
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Three patients required no intervention
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While no cancers were detected, the ability to identify and remove polyps early is a critical success, as it helps prevent cancer before it develops.
The initiative was made possible through the dedication of Covenant caregivers and community partners. Three board-certified gastroenterologists and two anesthesiologists led clinical care, supported by 43 volunteer hours and multidisciplinary teams across the organization. From outreach and patient coordination to billing protections ensuring no patient received a charge, every detail reflected a commitment to compassionate, equitable care.
“Colorectal cancer remains highly preventable and treatable when detected early,” said Dr. Adam Hughston, a board-certified gastroenterologist at Covenant Medical Center. “We encourage everyone to get screened beginning at age 45. Early detection saves lives.”
In just one morning, teams cared for 17 patients, balancing both screening participants and hospitalized individuals, and demonstrating the coordination and heart behind Covenant's Mission.
Because at Covenant Health, expanding access to colon cancer screening is one meaningful way to help identify risks early—making prevention and early intervention possible.
