The Florida Department of Health Lee County is stepping up to provide crucial health services for women in the community.
On Friday, the department will offer free or low-cost mammograms to women aged 40 to 64 who are uninsured or underinsured.
Noelia Martinez from the Florida Department of Health emphasized the importance of these screenings.
“One in eight women gets diagnosed with breast cancer. So detecting that breast cancer before you have symptoms leads to better outcomes in treatment,” said Martinez.
The 3D Mobile Mammography bus will be stationed at the Cape Coral Animal Shelter and Veterinary Clinic from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Women who meet specific income and residency criteria can receive free screenings.
“What we’re trying to do is help those women who are underinsured or uninsured get those screenings that they need for better health in the future,” said Martinez.
Martinez highlighted the barriers some women face when accessing health care, which is why the program is bringing services directly to the community.
“We’re bringing it to their communities because we all know that there are barriers that keep people from coming to different locations around the county,” said Martinez.
The Florida Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program aims to provide access to essential screenings. Early detection of breast cancer is crucial for effective treatment.
“The importance of coming and getting these screenings is because if you have high-risk factors, then you need to be screened more often and hopefully catch that before you present symptoms,” said Martinez. “That way you can rest assured that you’re doing everything that you can to prevent or at least to treat in time.”
Martinez urged women not to delay their screenings.
“Don’t leave it for later,” said Martinez.
The staff on the Mammo bus are trained to make the process as comfortable as possible.
“Our staff and the staff that will be in the Mammo bus are very friendly, very welcoming,” said Martinez. “They’re there to educate you and get you through the process so that you feel at home, basically.”
The Florida Department of Health in Lee County is committed to supporting women on their health journey.
“The Florida Department of Health in Lee County is here to support women in their health journey,” said Martinez. “So if you have questions, please, please reach out because we have people that are committed to public health and they want to help you.”
Women are encouraged to contact the department for more information and to schedule an appointment. Walk-ins are also welcome.
For more information or to schedule an appointment, visit 3DMobileMammography.com or call 844-546-5871. For Spanish assistance, call 941-685-3572.