Links for Life

The Carol Barraza Women's Health Resource Center was started in 1992 by Carol Barraza and Sharyn Woods to promote breast cancer awareness and provide services for women coping with cancer. 

Today, Links for Life fields over 4,000 calls regarding questions related to breast cancer, provides 240 wigs and 20 bras/prosthesis, arranges for 440 mammograms, 242 ultrasounds and 45 needle biopsies for women under 40 that are uninsured or under-insured.  It all started with a mission. . .

Mission Statement

To provide an organization to benefit persons and families affected by breast cancer.

To challenge each woman in Kern County to be aware of her breast health and promote support for those affected.

To educate the general public about breast health and provide funds for research.

Encouraged by our accomplishments to date, we are determined to continue the battle against breast cancer by meeting the needs of the community in which we live.

Mammograms - The free mammogram program assures all women the opportunity to have a mammogram.  If you are under the age of 40, uninsured or under-insured and live in Kern County, we can help.  Please  contact our office and we will send you the necessary forms to complete.

Ultrasounds - We can help with ultrasounds for women under 40 who are uninsured or under insured.  Please contact our office and we will send you the necessary forms to complete. 

Needle Biopsy - The needle biopsy program is for women under the age of 40 who have a suspicious mass and are in the need of a medical diagnosis.  Contact our office for details.

Wigs - Are you experiencing the side effects of chemotherapy or radiation? Do you need a wig? We can help. Want to explore scarves and turbans? Let us show you how to look like yourself. We stock the slumber cap, which is wonderful to sleep in or just around the house.

Library - Having access to reference books, videos and other material to promote positive thinking is essential to better health and living.  Up to date research information is available through our Internet access.  If you are not familiar with the web, help by appointment is available.

Scholarships - Academic Scholarships at CSUB and Bakersfield College for nursing program students are available.  To receive information, check with the Finance Office at CSUB or BC.  For more information contact our office. 

Support Group - The support group offers encouragement, support, friendship and information on resources at Links for Life and throughout the community.  The group meets on the first Tuesday of every month in the Links for Life office, 1706 Chester Avenue, Suite 200.  Click here for current schedule or contact the Links for Life office.  Family and friends are welcome!

Seminars - We are reaching out to the community to educate the women on the importance of breast health.  The hour-long seminars will feature a guest speaker from the medical community.  Other topics are available please contact us.

Health Fairs - We appreciate opportunities in our community to attend Health Fairs to explain Link for Life's Mission and Vision and the support we provide.