Breast Care on the Move: Mobile Mammography Unit Celebrates One Year of Improved Access to Care

Since launching in June 2023, the Trinity Health Grand Rapids mobile mammography unit has provided increased access to breast cancer screenings for women in Grand Rapids area neighborhoods, completing 2,010 screenings and diagnosing 13 individuals.

In response to the growing need for state-of-the-art breast care, Trinity Health Grand Rapids purchased the mobile mammography bus to make breast screenings more accessible and convenient for all women. The unit also helps to reach patients regardless of barriers or hesitations such as health insurance, language, transportation, scan results, group health care settings, and mistrust of the health care system.

The mobile mammography unit is a 40-foot bus featuring the same high-quality 3-D imaging technology as Trinity Health’s other imaging centers. However, it’s on the move, allowing for the unit to enhance early detection, promote equity, and decrease mortality with greater community reach. The unit also includes two private changing rooms and a reception waiting area.

“In 2020, nearly half of eligible women in Grand Rapids’ racial and ethnically diverse neighborhoods had no access to mammography screenings. To combat this, the unit travels to different areas, businesses, or organizations to reach more people and bring care directly to them,” said Becky Mercier, breast imaging supervisor at Trinity Health Grand Rapids. “More than 750 screenings this past year were done in our top six priority zip codes with more vulnerable residents. That’s definitive proof we’re making a difference.”

Due to the Affordable Care Act, screening mammograms are completely covered by insurance. For patients without insurance, Trinity Health works with the Kent County Health Department’s Breast & Cervical Cancer Control Navigation Program to fully cover the cost of the screening and potential follow-ups. The program is income-based for women ages 40 to 64, but there are additional resources for patients outside of this criteria.

“To further extend its community reach, we partner with a variety of organizations including Grand Rapids African American Health Institute (GRAAHI), Catherine’s Health Center at Streams, the Hispanic Center of West Michigan, and more,” Mercier shared. Looking ahead to its second year in service, the unit is excited to collaborate with the West Michigan Asian American Association and Making Strides Against Breast Cancer.

“While the mobile unit has made significant impacts in vulnerable communities, it’s also accessible to anyone who needs a screening. Patients seeking convenience and simplicity are encouraged to have their screening done at the mobile unit, regardless of their circumstances,” said Mercier.

Trinity Health Grand Rapids’ mobile mammography unit was financed through a grant from the Trinity Health Preserving Our Legacy Fund and through fundraising efforts by the Saint Mary’s Foundation.

"We are incredibly proud of the impact our Mobile Mammography Unit has had in just one year. This initiative is vital in providing accessible care to the most vulnerable,” said Michelle Rabideau, CFRE, MPA, president, Saint Mary’s Foundation. “We congratulate the dedicated team who made this possible and thank the Trinity Health Preserving Our Legacy Fund as well as our Saint Mary's Foundation supporters. We have a strong commitment to the Mobile Mammography program, and we look forward to being a part of their continued success in saving lives."

To schedule a mobile mammogram, call 855-559-7179 or visit www.TrinityHealthMichigan.org/MobileMamm for more information.

 

About Trinity Health Michigan

Trinity Health Michigan is a leading health care provider and one of the state’s largest employers. With more than 24,000 full-time employees serving 29 counties, Trinity Health Michigan operates nine hospitals located in Ann Arbor, Chelsea, Grand Haven, Grand Rapids, Howell, Livonia, Muskegon, Pontiac and Shelby, and two medical groups. The health system has 2,314 beds and 5,446 physicians and advanced practice providers. With operating revenues of $4.16 billion, Trinity Health Michigan returns $184 million back to their local communities each year. Together with numerous ambulatory care locations, home health and hospice agencies and 23 senior living communities owned and/or operated by Trinity Health, Trinity Health Michigan provides the full continuum of care for Michigan residents. Trinity Health Michigan is a member of Trinity Health, one of the largest Catholic health care systems in the country serving more than 30 million people across 22 states. www.trinityhealthmichigan.org.