Drawing blood continues to draw men in droves to the Ponoka stop of the Man Van.
The Calgary-based Prostate Cancer Centre had its mobile testing operation stop at the Ponoka Elks Club on March 25 and the number of men tested grew over last year.
A total of 88 men had their blood taken during the three-hour campaign, up from 72 that took advantage last year.
“It was fantastic to have that many participate,” said Ken Rabb, Man Van program coordinator.
One of the men that came by was Don Lysons, who explained it’s a fairly simple procedure to get done to ensure he will be around for some time to come.
“I hate tying up the doctor or the health care system for a single blood test. Coming to the van just makes a lot of sense to me,” he stated.
“We, as men and husbands, owe it to our families to get tested so we can be around for them in the future. It’s a small, simple blood test, so why wouldn’t you do it?”
Rabb added the great response to the clinic can be attributed to the partnership the centre has with the Ponoka Elks Club.
“The Elks do a great job of promoting the clinic with their members and the media certainly helped drive people to visit, helping us continue to grow the number of men getting tested,” he said.
For anyone that missed out and wants to get tested, the Man Van will return to town on July 2 during the Ponoka Stampede. The van will be located at the Ponoka Culture and Recreation Complex that day from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and no appointment is necessary.