Access to healthcare is an issue for women across Dallas County. But thanks to Parkland Health’s Mobile Mammography Van, barriers such as lack of transportation and long wait times for appointments are being broken down, one neighborhood at a time. The program is more than just a medical service; it’s a lifeline for countless women who might otherwise go without essential breast health screenings.
Parkland employees who work on the unit view it as more than just a job; it’s a calling. “What inspired us to work at Parkland is how we serve our community,” said Joyanna, a technologist and patient health educator. “Parkland and the Moody Breast Center go above and beyond to make sure our patients are taken care of.”
Similarly, Lisa, a mobile mammography coordinator, was drawn to Parkland because of the hospital’s commitment to reaching uninsured women. “After working at different centers for the past 25 years, I knew Parkland was doing more to help the uninsured women in our community. They are making a difference,” she shares.
Parkland’s breast health program, led by Dr. Aeisha Taylor, stands out because of its commitment to not only providing mammograms but also educating women on the importance of breast health. Joy explains, “Our focus is to equip patients with the knowledge, understanding, and confidence to advocate for themselves and their community.”
The Mobile Mammography Unit plays a crucial role in this educational mission. By bringing services directly into neighborhoods, the team can reach women who might not otherwise have access to screenings. “We can educate and screen the women who cannot come to the centers. We can reach women who would not come in for help,” Lisa adds.
Despite the successes, the team faces significant challenges in their work. “There is such a high demand for the service we provide. One of our greatest challenges is ensuring that patients are not falling through the cracks,” Joyanna notes.
To overcome challenges many women face such as time, transportation and financial constraints, the team is proactive in providing referrals and following up with patients who require additional care. “It is imperative for us to redirect and provide resources to patients who may not qualify for Parkland services,” Joyanna explains.
Over the last several years, donor contributions to Parkland Health Foundation have been instrumental in enhancing the services provided by the Mobile Mammography Unit. Generous support makes a world of difference. “Without the donors, we could not educate and provide needed services,” Lisa emphasizes.
Joyanna shared a story of how donor support directly impacted a patient’s care. “There was a patient who was anticipating Parkland Assistance Programming. Because of donor funds, she was still able to complete her diagnostic follow-up mammogram. Mammograms and our wonderful donors help save lives,” she said.
Lisa dreams of expanding the program’s reach even further in the future. “Hopefully, someday we will get a second unit or multiple units that go out daily, and we will be able to reach more women and save even more lives,” she shares. The potential for growth is immense, and with continued support, these dreams can become a reality.
Parkland’s Mobile Mammography Van is more than just a medical service—it provides much-needed hope, education and care for the women of Dallas. With continued community and donor support, this life-saving program will continue to touch lives and make a profound impact for years to come.