Early Detection, Peace of Mind

In rural communities like those on the Shore, accessing essential healthcare services can be difficult. That’s why TidalHealth is investing in a new mobile mammography unit — the only one of its kind on Delmarva. Thanks to an extraordinary outpouring of community support, this lifesaving project is now a reality.

The 38-foot, state-of-the-art unit is completely self-sufficient, featuring private changing rooms, an exam area, and the latest 3D mammography technology to ensure the most accurate results possible. It’s designed to bring breast cancer screenings directly to women in the communities where they live and work — eliminating barriers such as transportation and limited access to care.

“This unit will help solve these problems by bringing care closer to their doorsteps,” said Jessica Hales, CFRE, vice president/chief philanthropy officer at TidalHealth and president of the TidalHealth Foundation. “We want to make it easier for everyone to get breast cancer screenings.”

A shared mission made possible by generosity
The Drive for Mobile Mammography began as a grassroots effort in October 2023, when TidalHealth team members raised the first $125,000. What started as an internal campaign quickly blossomed into a movement — one that inspired more than 1,200 individuals, businesses, and organizations to contribute.
By June 30, 2025, the campaign had reached an impressive $978,393 of its $1 million goal. The final push came at the Hope on the Horizon celebration in mid-September, where generous supporters rallied to fund the remaining needs of the unit. In one inspiring evening, they raised $86,300, surpassing the $1 million milestone.

“This mobile mammography unit was funded entirely through community donations,” said Hales. “Every gift was a memory, a tribute or an honor to someone loved. This initiative touches nearly every life, and it’s inspiring to see our community come together to make breast cancer screening accessible for all.”

Expanding access, empowering health
The mobile unit has arrived, and TidalHealth’s Population Health team is working closely with local health departments, nonprofits and community organizations to identify the areas with the greatest need.

In addition to offering on-site 3D mammograms, the mobile unit will:

• Connect women to primary care practitioners for ongoing health management.
• Promote education and preventive care, helping women understand the importance of routine screenings.
• Coordinate resources and follow-up care for anyone whose results indicate additional evaluation or treatment is needed.

Bringing hope closer to home
Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women worldwide, and according to the American Cancer Society, the five-year survival rate is 99 percent when detected early.
By meeting women where they are, the TidalHealth Mobile Mammography unit will help ensure early detection and peace of mind — one community, one screening and one life at a time.
The Mobile Mammography unit was made possible through the generous donations of our community and is supported by the Maryland Community Health Resources Commission.

To learn more about TidalHealth Mobile Mammography, visit tidalhealth.org/mobilemammography.