Opelousas General Foundation Launches ‘Stop the Wait’ Campaign to Fund Breast Biopsy Equipment

Opelousas General Health System Foundation announces the launch of a new fundraising campaign dedicated to improving women’s health. The initiative aims to ensure that women receive timely breast screening and diagnostic follow-up without unnecessary delays.

2025 marks Opelousas General’s 18th Annual Paint the Town Pink initiative designed to promote education about breast cancer and the importance of screening and early detection. This community-wide initiative has created a broader knowledge and interest in mammography. Through fundraising efforts, OGHS has provided free mammograms since the initiative’s inception. St. Landry parish is above the national average for mammography screenings largely due to screening access and testing provided by Paint the Town Pink.

The demand for mammography continues to increase as more women are educated about screening. Last year alone, Opelousas General performed over 6,500 breast exams, with the average wait time for a screening mammogram approximately 1 ½ weeks. OGHS can detect abnormality within 24 hours, but the wait for diagnostic follow-up is approximately seven weeks. With additional equipment, OGHS can reduce the wait time by up to70%. In addition, OGHS will more than double the capacity for screenings, diagnostics, and biopsies. This will also allow the hospital to accept more regional referrals and patients will travel shorter distances for care.

The fundraising goal is $750,000, which will provide funding for a 3D/Tomography Mammography Unit with Upright Biopsy capabilities allowing OGHS to perform mammography screening, diagnostics, and biopsies all in one place.

This “Stop the Wait” campaign was established in honor of Rita Buller Keller, a former employee and speech pathologist, who lived her life selflessly serving others. Her driving focus was aimed at helping people overcome obstacles to succeed. She devoted extra time and energy to ensure every patient received the care they needed every single day. To Rita, having a voice meant more than the ability to speak and be heard.

“We are extremely excited to expand upon Rita Buller Keller’s legacy of helping others,” said Lance Armentor, BSM, MHA, OGHS President & CEO. “We need to Stop the Wait and broaden access to annual mammograms and follow up diagnostics. Women’s health is one of our leading priorities. No woman should wait for a mammogram.”

The foundation is calling on community members, local businesses, and philanthropic partners to stop the wait. Contributions of all sizes will make a meaningful difference in the lives of women across the region. Donations can be made directly to Opelousas General Health System Foundation OpelousasGeneral.com/StopTheWait. For questions, contact the foundation office at 337-943-7143 or email foundation@opelousasgeneral.com.