ASHLAND — Beth Fetzer learned to drive a semi truck for her job as a mammographer with OhioHealth.
A commercial driver’s license isn’t a typical job requirement for mammographers, but Fetzer has taken on a unique role. She and two other techs operate one of OhioHealth’s Mobile Mammography units.
It’s been one year since OhioHealth launched its North Central Ohio unit, which provides easy access to screening mammograms in non-traditional locations. The $1.5 million vehicle was completely funded through donations from community foundations, businesses and individuals.
“Probably the most rewarding thing is just getting out there, spreading the word and having people know we’re out there,” Fetzer said. “It’s accessible to a lot of people and early detection really is the best.”
Mammogram unit serves patients from Lima to Wooster
The North Central Ohio mobile mammography truck travels to eight counties across northern Ohio — Richland, Ashland, Crawford, Morrow, Marion, Hardin, Hancock and Allen.
Mammographers have parked the unit at workplaces, community centers, churches and medical facilities.
OhioHealth officials said the goal behind the mammography units is to increase screening access for populations traditionally underserved by the healthcare system.
These communities often face barriers like cost, transportation, inadequate insurance or a lack of nearby healthcare facilities.
Lori Holzworth, imaging manager at OhioHealth Mansfield Hospital, said the truck simplifies the process of getting a mammogram.
Parking at workplaces and other community hubs reduces transportation hurdles. Patients don’t have to navigate a large medical facility or take time off.
For those who preregister online, the process takes just 20 minutes.
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“We’re bringing a service to patients who normally couldn’t or wouldn’t take the time,” Holzworth said. “We’re right there where you are. We’re right outside your door. All you have to do is come.
In its first year, staff performed more than 900 screenings, exceeding the hospital system’s initial prediction of 650, Fetzer said.
Nearly 20 percent of mobile unit patients reported it was their very first mammogram.
Katie Lowe, who handles media relations for OhioHealth, said the unit’s first-time screening rate is three times higher than the brick-and-mortar mammography department inside OhioHealth Mansfield Hospital.
Mobile unit uses same equipment, staff as brick-and-mortar facilities
Fetzer said patients appreciate the easy access, but also the warm environment.
Opposite the entrance is a reception desk, complete with a computer, a printer and a Keurig coffee machine. The back end of the truck contains a private changing area and the same 3D imaging machine used at OhioHealth Mansfield Hospital.
The interior of the freight liner looks a lot like a regular doctor’s office, decorated with skylights and inspirational plaques.
“They’re always amazed at how big this room is,” Fetzer said. “It’s about two feet smaller than the room that we work in at the hospital. It’s the same imaging equipment, the same quality and the same staff that you would have at Mansfield.”
Erin Stine, senior philanthropy advisor with the OhioHealth Foundation, called the mobile mammography unit “a gift to the community.”
“As a busy mom myself, I know how hard it is to carve out time to do this,” she said.
“Our imaging folks that run this are just incredibly multi-talented people. They are those like health care heroes you hear about. It’s so fun to watch them just roll this thing up like it’s no big deal and just show up for the women in our communities.”
Breast cancer has high survival rate when caught early
One in eight women in the United States develops breast cancer during her lifetime. Breast cancer occurs more rarely in men.
Breast cancer is very treatable when caught early. According to the American Cancer Society, cancer that has not moved beyond the breast has a five-year survival rate of 93 to 98 percent.
But numerous studies found minority and low-income women have lower rates of breast cancer survival and a greater risk of being diagnosed with advanced-stage breast cancer.
Should I get a mammogram?
The American Cancer Society recommends women who have an average breast cancer risk begin screening at age 40.
Several risk factors increase a person’s risk of breast cancer, including family history, a lack of physical activity, reproductive history and certain medical treatments.
While most insurance plans cover mammograms, OhioHealth representatives said the non-profit hospital system will work to ensure that all eligible patients receive mammograms, regardless of ability to pay.
Fetzer and Holzworth said the biggest challenges to operating a mobile mammography unit are coping with unpredictable weather and traffic patterns.
“You just have to learn to be flexible. There’s things that are going to come up that you didn’t expect or anticipate,” Holzworth said.
“One thing that I didn’t realize there’s a lot of places that we can’t drive this thing. There are certain routes that you have to go around, certain bridges that you cannot go under.”
Nevertheless, they’re pleased with the mobile unit’s accomplishments and hope to expand on the work. The unit currently operates three days a week.
“Our goal is to grow the business and expand the number of days in operation, however, that really depends on the volume of requests for the mobile unit,” Holzworth said.
“At this time, we still have a couple openings for the rest of 2024. As we are getting out in the community more, we hope to expand to four days per week in the coming year.”
To request a visit from the mobile mammography unit, call the scheduling office at 567-309-2512 for more information.
