Photo Provided Ohio State University’s mobile mammography unit will be headed to the Monroe Family Health Center Oct. 27 and Dec. 30. The convenient mobile unit offers free or reduced price mammograms for area residents who meet certain income guidelines.

WOODSFIELD — Ohio Hills Health Centers is encouraging residents to get a mammogram during Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

OHHC has partnered with the Ohio State University Breast Health Connection Project, The James — The Ohio State Comprehensive Cancer Center and the Ohio Department of Health to bring a mobile mammography unit to Monroe County and other areas in the region.

Heather Saffle, manager of the Monroe Family Health Center, said it is important for residents to get an examination because early detection can help save lives.

“With it being Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we want to stress how prevalent breast cancer is in the area and the country, and getting those checks yearly can really benefit every patient,” she said. “It’s important to get a breast screening yearly or as often as you possibly can. Even if people only want to come every other year, that’s a big thing because we have had many patients diagnosed with cancer through these screenings. Caught early, a lot more can be done for them.”

Saffle said mammography is the most effective screening tool used today to find breast cancer in women. The American Cancer Society recommends monthly breast self-examinations, physician exams and annual mammograms after the age of 40 to detect breast cancer, according to a release.

The mobile unit will make its way to Monroe County Oct. 27 and Dec. 30 at the Monroe Family Health Center in Woodsfield; however, all 15 slots have been filled for this month’s service. Saffle said interested residents will still have additional opportunities later this year, and can begin scheduling their appointment now for the next available date.

Another date is set for Nov. 24 at the Quaker City Family Health Center.

Saffle said the mobile unit is a great service that makes healthcare more accessible in rural areas.

“Living in Woodsfield, we’re very rural. We have a big population of people who don’t have transportation to get to other places — any hospital that you go to is going to be 45 minutes to an hour away. Having the mobile mammogram come directly to the health center allows us to direct our patients to that service without a lot of hassle on their part,” she said.

Area residents who meet certain income guidelines may be eligible for a free mammogram. Also, most health insurances are accepted.

“We encourage patients and non-patients to come and utilize this service. It is a service that we offer to the whole community. We bring it so the whole community can be involved and benefit from it,” she said.

Anyone is welcome to sign up for the mobile mammograms.

For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 844-284-7465.