How We Provide Complimentary Ultrasounds

“You mean we don’t have to pay — anything?” It’s a question we hear pretty often at Collage when clients are scheduling their appointments for our ultrasound services. We want to share a little with you about how we are able to pull it off.

Complimentary versus Free

Free is a four-letter word and we don’t care for it much. When it comes to our services it gives the wrong impression. Most people associate free with poor quality and a “least you can get by with” approach. If you’ve ever visited one of our offices, you know that’s not us. Free also isn’t an accurate description. Sure, we don’t charge our clients for ultrasounds, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t a cost. Someone had to pay for the ultrasound machine, the supplies, and the time our ultrasound techs spend with clients, and reviewing results. All of that definitely isn’t “free.”

So why and how can we provide complimentary ultrasounds?

We care.

The staff at Collage truly cares about you. But it goes beyond that. When we say we care we mean everyone who makes it possible for us to serve our communities. Those people are our board of directors, our volunteers, and our financial supporters. They are your neighbors, your friends, and many people you have never and may never meet. They care so much about helping women that they provide the resources for us to accomplish our mission. We think it’s important for you to know that there are many people in Kearney, Grand Island, and the surrounding communities that care about you. They are the ones who make it possible for you to come into one of our Collage offices and receive the assistance you need.

Doesn’t the government fund you?

No, we’re 100% privately funded. The majority of our funding comes from individuals who want to help those facing unexpected circumstances. Any grants we apply for and receive come from private family or business foundations. It’s not that we think government funding is bad. We just don’t want to become dependent on funding that might not be available as government budget cuts occur. Our services are too important to our community to put them at risk by relying on government funding.

We have fantastic volunteers.

Not all of our support comes in the form of a check. We have many volunteers both their skills and time to allow us to better serve you. Sometimes those volunteers are peer counselors and sometimes they are medical professionals who come to Collage on their day off to assist our clients. We’re blown away by how much these volunteers care and want to help serve our community.

We have former clients who needed free pregnancy tests and are now giving back.

Although we don’t expect it or ask for it, women and men who have needed our services in the past have found hope through our organization. Sometimes years, even decades later, they come back wanting to help others who find themselves in the same situation and do so by either volunteering or supporting us financially.

We have amazing partnerships with local businesses and community groups.

There are many organizations throughout Central Nebraska that support Collage. Sometimes they do this volunteering, paying for our supplies—like our pregnancy tests, underwriting special trainings, or paying for our marketing materials. Sometimes local businesses offer us discounts for their services and sometimes they give financial or physical gifts. Our ultrasound services, which confirm viable pregnancies after a positive pregnancy test, are a beautiful example of a gift given through community groups. It isn’t just individuals who support Collage, but it is also long-standing, familiar organizations that you encounter every day.

We hope this helps answer your questions and concerns about how we can offer free ultrasounds and other services to our community and we want you to know that if you ever need our help we’re here for you.

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What to Do When Friends and Family Are Pressuring You into an Abortion Decision

April 2, 2025

What do you do when those closest to you start pushing you toward a decision that doesn’t feel right? Pressure from family or friends to choose abortion can leave you feeling stuck, unheard, and unsure of what to do next. How can you hold firm in your decision while dealing with well-meaning but overwhelming advice? Here’s what you can do to navigate this difficult situation with strength and resilience. Mental Health and Pressure Your decision should be your own—one that isn’t influenced by guilt or outside expectations. Studies show that women who feel pressured into abortion are more likely to experience guilt, anxiety, depression, and other negative mental health outcomes. Protecting your mental and emotional health starts with making a choice that aligns with what you truly want. Ways to Handle the Pressure Since you understand why this decision needs to be yours, here are some practical steps to help you handle outside pressure. Give Yourself Time You don’t have to decide right away. Take a moment, think through your feelings, and give yourself the gift to reflect without feeling rushed. You're less likely to regret a decision made on your terms. Learn About All Your Options Abortion isn’t your only choice. Parenting and adoption are also possibilities, each with its own forms of support and resources. Learning more about these options can help you make an informed decision you feel at peace with. Set Boundaries It can be tough to stand your ground when others have strong opinions about your decision. Clearly expressing your thoughts by setting boundaries can help you avoid unwanted pressure. Letting others know you need time and space to think can help shift the conversation away from their influence and back to what’s best for you. Advice from a Third Party Getting a different perspective on your situation can be helpful when seeking advice from someone outside your inner circle. This could be a professional counselor, an online support group, or a caring team member at Collage . You deserve people in your life who want to understand you without judgment. You Are Not Alone Even if those around you don’t fully understand, there are people who do. A supportive environment can make all the difference as you navigate this decision. Collage is here to walk with you during this time. We offer lab-quality pregnancy testing, limited OB ultrasounds, pregnancy options information, and more at no cost so you can get informed and have the support you need to move forward with certainty. Schedule a confidential appointment today.

The Role of Support Systems When Considering Abortion

March 7, 2025

Discovering you’re pregnant when you weren’t expecting can feel like the ground has shifted beneath you. A flood of questions may rush in. What do I do? Who can I talk to? How will this change my life? In moments like these, having a strong support system can make all the difference. The people around you—family, friends, a partner, or trusted mentors—can provide clarity, encouragement, and resources to help you navigate your options. Why Support Systems Matter It’s easy to feel isolated during an unexpected pregnancy with high stress and emotions. However, decisions made in isolation can be overwhelming and may lead to regret. Having a support system allows you to process your emotions, ask questions, and consider your next steps with a clear mind. Those who care about you can offer reassurance and help you explore the emotional, physical, and practical aspects of your decision. Avoiding Pressure and Outside Influence Unfortunately, some women experience pressure from their partner, family members, or even friends to make a decision they aren’t comfortable with. A healthy support system respects your right to make an informed choice without coercion. If you’re feeling pressured, it’s essential to reach out to someone who will listen, not dictate. Support should come from those who uplift and empower you, not those who push you into a choice based on their preferences. Seeking Reliable Information It’s crucial to have access to accurate medical information about abortion, its risks, and its alternatives. A strong support system can help you connect with organizations (such as Collage ) that offer factual, judgment-free care. You can also seek help from professional counselors or a mentor, but ultimately, surrounding yourself with people who prioritize your well-being can bring insight and peace of mind to your decision-making process. We’re Here For You At Collage, we understand how important support is when considering your options. We offer free and confidential pregnancy services, including lab-quality pregnancy testing, limited OB ultrasounds, abortion information, and more so you can make an informed choice. Even if you don’t feel you have a support system in your life, you have one with us. Reach out today to learn more about how we’re here for you.

Why Does an Ultrasound Matter if I’m Considering Abortion?

February 13, 2025

If you’re thinking about abortion, an ultrasound is a crucial step to gather essential information about your pregnancy. It provides key details that can help determine which options are available to you and ensures your health and safety as you make this important decision. At Collage , we offer free limited OB ultrasounds to give you the clarity and support you need, as well as more information on your pregnancy options. Ultrasounds During Pregnancy An ultrasound is a diagnostic tool that uses sound waves to create detailed images of your body. These images provide vital insights into your pregnancy, helping you make an informed decision. Here are three critical pieces of information an ultrasound can reveal: 1. The Location of Your Pregnancy An ultrasound can confirm if your pregnancy is located in the uterus. Sometimes, a pregnancy can implant outside the uterus, typically in a fallopian tube, resulting in an ectopic pregnancy. An ectopic pregnancy is a serious condition that cannot result in a live birth and requires immediate medical attention to avoid a life-threatening situation. Even if you’re considering abortion, identifying an ectopic pregnancy through ultrasound is essential to protect your health. 2. How Far Along You Are (Gestational Age) Understanding how far along you are is critical for determining which abortion options you can access. For example, the abortion pill is FDA-approved only for pregnancies up to ten weeks gestation. If your pregnancy is further along, a surgical abortion would be the alternative option available, depending on the circumstances. Period-tracking apps can estimate gestational age, but they lack the accuracy of an ultrasound, which can precisely date your pregnancy. 3. Whether Your Pregnancy Is Progressing Not all pregnancies continue as expected—approximately 26% of pregnancies end in miscarriage. An ultrasound can detect if a miscarriage has occurred so you can follow up with the appropriate care plan. Protect Your Health As you can see, an ultrasound is an essential step in protecting your health and understanding your options. You deserve to make an informed and confident decision and the free limited OB ultrasounds Collage provides will help you to do just that. Contact us today to schedule your appointment. Our care and support are designed to help you through this crucial time. Let us be a source of strength for you.