Mobile Mammography Unit Revs up Its Engine

The recently-launched OhioHealth O’Bleness Hospital Mobile Mammography program is the subject of this video news story by Ohio University student Marianne Dodson. Early detection of breast cancer helps saves lives, and the story showcases how the program removes obstacles rural women often face in obtaining mammography screening, especially where access is limited.

OhioHealth mammography technologist Kelly Jarrett is interviewed, speaking about her experiences on the road providing this critical service to rural patients, and a local patient speaks about a personal loss she faced in her family due to issues with the availability of screening resources.

The OhioHealth mobile mammography program is the first Athens County-based program providing accessible, advanced screening mammography in underserved areas in southeast Ohio. The program is expected to screen over 1,500 patients in the first year, with services to cover a multi-county region of Appalachian Ohio. The unit is anticipated to expand into neighboring counties in future years.

O’Bleness Hospital launched the new mobile mammography service in September, following the completion of a $1.3 million fundraising campaign and a four-month process to design and fabricate the mobile unit. The mobile unit began providing services two days a week at the OhioHealth Nelsonville Health Center in September and began providing mobile services to employers and community partners in November.