Free colon cancer test kits available a regional drive-thru events
Lincoln event scheduled for Wednesday, March 18
[March 05, 2026]
SPRINGFIELD – Free take-home screening tests for colon cancer will be
distributed at several upcoming drive-thru events in Decatur,
Jacksonville, Lincoln, Springfield and Taylorville, sponsored by the
Regional Cancer Partnership, which includes Memorial Health, SIU School
of Medicine, Springfield Clinic and HSHS St. John’s Hospital.
"March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, and we encourage everyone
to take advantage of this free screening opportunity," said Tia Rapps,
community cancer education coordinator for the Regional Cancer Center.
"This is one of the simplest ways to protect your health. Screening from
the comfort of your home could truly save your life. Kits are available
while supplies last, so don't wait. Early detection makes all the
difference."
Dates and times for kit pickup below:
Decatur: Friday, March 13, from 7:30 a.m. until supplies run out,
Crossing Healthcare Drive-Thru, 990 N. Water St. Questions? Call
217-876-4749.
Jacksonville: Tuesday, March 24, from 4 to 6 p.m. and Wednesday, March
25, from 9 to 11 a.m., Jacksonville Memorial Hospital Circle Drive-thru,
1600 W. Walnut Ave. Questions? Call 447-784-3212.
Lincoln: Wednesday, March 18, from 9 a.m. to noon, Lincoln Memorial
Hospital Drive-Thru, 200 Stahlhut Drive. Questions? Call 217-605-5014.
Springfield: Thursday, March 12, from 4 to 6 p.m. at Springfield Clinic
900 Building Drive-Thru, 900 N. 1st St. Questions? Call 217-280-6954.
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Springfield: Wednesday, March 11, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 4 to 6
p.m., Simmons Cancer Institute Drive-Thru, 315 W. Carpenter St.
Questions? Call 217-545-7495.
Springfield: Wednesday, March 25, from 3:30 p.m. to 6 p.m., Memorial
Drive-Thru Lab, at 320 E. Carpenter St. Questions? Call 217-788-4400.
Springfield: Thursday, March 26, from 5 to 7 p.m., St. John’s Pavilion
Drive-Thru, 301 N. 8th St. Questions? Call 217-544-6464, ext. 2045877.
Taylorville: Thursday, March 12, from 8 to 11 a.m., Taylorville Memorial
Hospital Drive-Thru, 201 E. Pleasant St. Questions? Call 217-707-5258.
Drivers should follow the signs and remain in their cars. Completed kits
should be mailed back in the provided, postage-paid envelope within 10
days of kit pickup. Individuals will receive a letter informing them of
their results.
Take-home colorectal cancer screenings are recommended for individuals
45 years old and older, as well as people who have a history of
colorectal polyps or inflammatory bowel disease, a diet high in
processed food or red meat, smokers and individuals who are obese or
engage in heavy alcohol use.
Anyone 18 or older is eligible for a kit, especially if they have any of
the above listed risk factors. Younger adults are being diagnosed with
cancer at a growing rate. For people 76 years old and older, the
decision to be screened should be based on a person’s preferences, life
expectancy, general health and prior screening history.
For more information about the kit distribution, call 217-788-4400.
[Anne Davis
Memorial Health]
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