Community Partner Spotlight: Cleveland Clinic
November 21, 2024
Mammogram Bus Reaches 380+ Patients in Underserved Communities
Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers among women, and mammograms can help catch the disease early when it’s easier to treat. That’s why Cleveland Clinic has launched the Mobile Mammography Unit – to help bring mammograms close to home for those who may not have access to these routine screenings.
The new Mobile Mammography Unit, housed on a bus and featuring a state-of-the-art mobile mammography system, has served more than 380 patients since it began in May 2024. It also has serviced 35 community events throughout Northeast Ohio, including Cleveland, Canton, Painesville, Mansfield, Norwalk and Sandusky. Last month, they had a mammogram clinic at Erie County Health Department (photo attached). The unit will return to Sandusky on October 3.
“We want to positively impact the lives of patients in their communities, by removing barriers of health access. Every woman, regardless of her zip code or socioeconomic status, should have access to life-saving breast cancer screenings,” says Lynn Rudin, a clinical manager in Imaging.
The bus is fitted with a Siemens Inspiration Unit, a 3D mammography device that provides mammogram screening. It’s the same device used within Cleveland Clinic facilities. Patients also have access to changing rooms and a waiting area.
Cleveland Clinic Cancer Institute’s Community Outreach team provides patient navigation and follow-up services. “If these patients have a positive experience here, they can share it with their friends and community. When word spreads, it makes a difference in their neighborhoods,” says Nasheema Anderson, Community Outreach Department Manager.
Currently, the team is actively creating partnerships with church organizations and nonprofits to help expand access to mammogram screenings. It has partnered with organizations such as Medworks, City of Cleveland, Federally Qualified Health Centers, HOLA, City of Warrensville, LQBTQ Center and Norma Herr.
For more information or to schedule a screening through Cleveland Clinic Cancer Institute’s community outreach program, those interested can call 419.609.2826 or visit clevelandclinic.org/outreachscreening.
