More than 200,000 women are diagnosed with some type of invasive breast cancer annually, and one in eight women in the U.S. will likely develop breast cancer over the course of her lifetime. CHRISTUS Santa Rosa Health System recognizes early detection is key and that there is an overwhelming need for more women to be screened regularly for breast cancer. Thanks to generous donors, CHRISTUS Santa Rosa will continue to bring screening and services to women and men throughout Bexar, Comal, and surrounding counties, who might not otherwise have access.
On Thursday, October 20, CHRISTUS Santa Rosa Health System proudly unveiled its new Mobile Mammography Unit (MMU). The brand new, state-of-the-art unit has been in the works for several years. The new MMU was made possible by the Friends of CHRISTUS Santa Rosa Foundation (Friends Foundation) in partnership with Valero and other leadership donors: The RK Group, The Nancy Smith Hurd Foundation, and Baptist Health Foundation of San Antonio.
Associates, donors, and friends gathered at CHRISTUS Santa Rosa Hospital – Westover Hills to celebrate the new MMU and get a first look at our newest addition. The MMU was welcomed by cheers and happy tears before being blessed by our very own, Sister Michele O’Brien, CCVI, philanthropy officer for the Friends Foundation. Sister Michele shared her memories with attendees about the history of our first mobile mammography unit in 2005 and the growth of the program since, thanks to philanthropic support.
The MMU will provide 3D mammograms and at least 3,000 screening services annually, using innovative and top-notch technology, along with access to CHRISTUS Santa Rosa Health System’s integrated care if further diagnostics or treatments are needed. The MMU meets the needs of the vulnerable and underserved population who often are minority populations; women with barriers to health care, such as transportation and limited financial resources; women living below the poverty level; uninsured women; and the Spanish-speaking population.
“We are so excited to be able to offer more health care options to the community, who may not otherwise be able to access it,” said Patricia Burns, president of CHRISTUS Santa Rosa Hospital- Westover Hills. “We always strive to provide compassionate and innovative health care to those we are blessed to serve. We’re bringing the same great care you would receive at our hospital, right to their own neighborhood. This is going to have such a huge impact on our community and surrounding region.”
Having a mammogram once a year could possibly save your life. The Friends of CHRISTUS Santa Rosa Foundation is dedicated to making life-saving digital mammograms available to women across South-Central Texas. Your support of the MMU allows women in our community a fighting chance.
To help support the MMU, or to find out how you can host an event to raise funds and awareness, contact the Friends of CHRISTUS Santa Rosa Foundation at 210.704.2800 or visit the Friends of CHRISTUS Santa Rosa Foundation website.
If you do not have insurance or a doctor, please call 210.704.4100 for details, and learn how you can get a mammogram through the generosity of community funding.
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