Hop on the Bus to Good Health
Healthy U Express offers digital mammograms with same-day results
Healthy U Express offers digital mammograms(SAN ANTONIO – October 12, 2011) Busy women are notorious for putting their needs behind those of their families so taking time to have a mammogram sometimes doesn't always happen as regularly as it should. Even though most women today know the importance of getting screened for breast cancer, other barriers to mammography may be a lack of health insurance, transportation, or difficulties taking time off from work. Breaking down the barriers preventing all women in Bexar County from being screened is exactly what University Health System’s big, beautiful and very blue new "bus" is all about.
It’s called the Healthy U Express, and area businesses and organizations with a large number of women employees over the age of 40 are encouraged to contact University Health System to learn more about bringing it to their workplaces. Information is available online or by phone at 210-358-3720.
The vision to make mammography more accessible to more women came directly from the Bexar County Hospital District Board of Managers who challenged the University Health System leadership to develop a state-of-the-art mammography outreach program. Inside the 45-foot vehicle is the very latest in digital mammography equipment and satellite technology. In fact, it is the first-ever Mobile Mammography unit equipped to beam images via satellite back to the hospital so radiologists can read them within minutes and report results back to the vehicle.
“Getting your results right away offers great peace of mind,” says Anna McAndrew, University Health System’s health services director running the Mobile Mammography program. “We are so thrilled to be able to bring this important service out to large employers, schools and churches across Bexar County.” The Healthy U Express also includes a separate exam room, so that other health screenings can be made available for the whole family.
If you see the vehicle out and about you may wonder who those smiling people are on the sides. The "family" side features members of the University Health System employee family. The University Health System staff members in pink on the other side are all breast cancer survivors.
Registered nurse Jeanie Sauerland says seeing herself on the new vehicle makes her proud to be a survivor and to be part of an organization that is so dedicated to making breast cancer screening accessible and convenient. "My cancer was found with a mammography so hopefully more women will get their mammograms done through this mobile unit," she says. "I hope to encourage others to get their mammography exams because early detection is the key." Rebecca Pompa, a case manager for the University Transplant Team, agrees. "I'm living proof. It's been 25 years since I've been cancer free," she says. "This mobile unit will help women who do not have the means to travel to clinics. It's convenient and will help raise awareness about the importance of getting a mammography."
