Reading Hospital Foundation unveils new mobile mammography coach Thursday

Reading Hospital Foundation will host a ribbon cutting at 4 p.m. Thursday for Reading Hospital’s new mobile mammography coach at the Hospital’s 6th Avenue (Clock Tower) entrance.  

Outfitted with the latest technology, including 3D tomosynthesis, the mobile mammography coach uses a digital mammography screening tool that improves the accuracy of imaging, reducing unneeded follow-up visits, and enables caregivers to detect more invasive cancers, the foundation said.  

Women who use the mobile mammography unit will get the same patient care as they do at any of Tower Health’s mammography imaging locations, with coordinated scheduling, testing, follow-up, and referrals. 

“We know early detection saves lives when a woman is diagnosed with breast cancer’ said Dr. Charles F. Barbera, Reading Hospital president and CEO. “Reading Hospital prides itself on being a partner and we are committed to ensuring all women have access to mammogram services, including those underinsured and those without insurance.” 

Tower Health’s most recent Community Health Needs Assessment identified access to health services as a challenge for many in the community, said Desha Dickson, Tower Health vice president of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion and Community Wellness. “I’m proud to share we have 48 mobile mammography screening events scheduled through the end of the year. These events will bring life-saving screenings directly to our patients and remove any transportation barriers they may face.” 

One in eight women will develop breast cancer in her lifetime, and most don’t have a family history of the disease. The American College of Radiology recommends that all women get their first mammogram at the age of 40. 

Fundraising for the mobile mammography coach began in August 2020, and was completed in November 2021, through a combination of donations, pledges, grants, and the Pennsylvania Neighborhood Assistance Program tax credit program. “We appreciate the support from all of our corporate and individual donors,” said Katherine Thornton, Reading Hospital Foundation president. “Every donation to the mobile mammography fund, regardless of the amount, will make a significant impact on the health of women in our community.