In rural communities like those in Sussex County, accessing essential healthcare services can be difficult. That’s why TidalHealth is investing in a mobile mammography unit — the only one of its kind on Delmarva.
The 38-foot unit will be self-sufficient and fully equipped with private changing rooms, an exam area and the latest 3D mammography technology.
Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women worldwide. According to the American Cancer Society, the five-year survival rate for breast cancer is 99 percent when found early.
Unfortunately, many women in our region miss regular screenings due to barriers like transportation and access to care, challenges this unit will help overcome.
“This unit will help solve these problems by bringing care closer to their doorsteps,” said Jessica Hales, CFRE, vice president/chief philanthropy officer at TidalHealth and president of the TidalHealth Foundation. “We want to make it easier for everyone to get breast cancer screenings.”
Once the unit arrives later this month, TidalHealth’s Population Health team will work with local health departments and community organizations to determine the areas with the greatest need.
The unit will not only provide mammograms, but will also connect women to primary care, teach women about the importance of preventive care and screenings, and coordinate resources and support for follow-up care if needed.
The Drive for Mobile Mammography was a system-side effort led by the TidalHealth Foundation. What began with TidalHealth team members raising $125,000 in October 2023 quickly grew into a movement that inspired more than 1,200 individuals, businesses and organizations to contribute — each united by the goal of bringing this unit to life.
The campaign officially wrapped up in mid-September at the Hope on the Horizon celebration, where generous supporters rallied to fund the final pieces of the bus. In just one night, they raised $86,300, pushing the effort past its $1 million goal. This milestone highlights the collective power of coming together to make preventive breast cancer screenings accessible to all.
“We’ve raised more than $1 million to bring this lifesaving project to reality,” Hales said. “This mobile mammography unit was funded entirely through community donations. Every gift was a memory, a tribute, or an honor to someone loved. This initiative touches nearly every life, and it’s inspiring to see our community come together to make breast cancer screening accessible for all.”
To learn more about TidalHealth Mobile Mammography, visit tidalhealth.org/