For the first time, Family Planning Health Services in Wausau will host a free productive health clinic Wednesday for women who can't afford to pay.

On a first come first served walk-in basis from 10 a.m. until 6:30 p.m., women who don't have health insurance or any means to pay will be accepted.

"Anybody who is really unable to pay or who is ineligible for any of the other programs, and we'd like to tell them about those programs too, they might be eligible, so we'd try to get them signed up for those programs," said Executive Director Lon Newman.

Services include pelivc and pap exams, STD testing and treatment, birth control and any other reproductive health needs.

Newman says there's a real need for these services to be available to all women, especially during the current economic disruption many are living through.

"For women of reproductive age, family planning is basic preventive health care and if they can't afford it, it's a major family burden for them," he said.

The clinic's director of nursing and clinical services says all women need to have annual pelvic exams and screenings.

"Cervical cancer is a large killer of women, mostly for people who don't get screened," said Ellen Butts.

She says unfortunately women tend to focus on their families if they have them, rather than taking care of themselves.

Newman says if Wednesday's free clinic shows a large need, they'll strive to continue having them in Wausau and in other locations across the state.