A well-known national department store is offering screenings to help keep women healthy.

Free mammograms will be available to women 40 and older the first week of April at local Belk stores.

The BelkGives on the Go Mobile Mammography Center will stop at Belk stores in Gainesville and Cornelia to offer the free mammogram screenings, performed by Charlotte Radiology licensed, female certified technologists.

The mobile center will be at Lakeshore Mall’s Belk store from 9:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. April 5 and Habersham County Shopping Center’s Belk store during the same time period April 7.

Women 40 and older with no existing breast concerns can make appointments by calling 855-655-2662.

Lisa Lassiter, manager of the Lakeshore Mall Belk, said the company initiative BelkGives has existed for about five years. The mobile screening center has served more than 7,400 women and detected 30 cases of cancer throughout the Southeast in the last two years.

The BelkGives on the Go mobile center was in Gainesville about this time last year, Lassiter said.

Women who have not had a mammogram in the last year and have a primary care physician are eligible.

“Early screening is most important in detection,” Lassiter said. “And it’s free as long as you have a doctor to send the report to. That’s a big deal.”

For more information, call 855-655-2662 or go to www.belk.com/pink.