Local women need not travel far to receive mammograms thanks to the mobile mammography unit called Bonnie’s Bus.
The program was established in 2009 by Ben and Jo Statler in honor of her mother Bonnie Wells Wilson, who fell victim to breast cancer after living in a remote area of West Virginia with no access to mammography breast cancer screening. Bonnie’s Bus was designed to help persuade women to obtain mammography screenings by providing easier access, especially in rural areas.
According to Program Director Sara Jane Gainer, more than 7,000 women have been screened since 2009 with 21 positive results. The bus is part of the cancer prevention and control section of the Mary Babb Randolph Cancer Center at West Virginia University. Bonnie’s Bus is the only mobile mammography unit in the United States to serve an entire state and the only unit of its kind in West Virginia.
Bonnie’s Bus travels around the state screening patients from March through December. Gainer says the harsh winter weather makes it impractical to schedule screenings during the winter months. “We only go where we are invited. We set up outside of clinics and even local workplaces.” She explained the goal of the unit is to alleviate obstacles preventing women from obtaining mammography screening such as hardship of travel, work schedules, child care, etc. Sixteen counties in West Virginia, including Tucker County, have no mammography screening facilities. The unit visits St. George Clinic twice each year.
Bonnie’s Bus offers mammography screenings to any woman age 40 years or over. The unit is handicapped and wheelchair accessible. No one is turned away because of the inability to pay for the screening. The program accepts insurance, Medicare and Medicaid but also offers alternative financial programs to provide for those without insurance. St. George Medical Clinic also offers programs to help cover the cost of patient screenings.
Bonnie’s Bus will return to St. George on October 16 and 17. Anyone interested in obtaining a mammogram should contact Rhonda Ends at 304-478-3339. Ends said the program is recommended for patients of the Clinic, but is available to every woman age 40 or over. Screenings are performed by appointment and should be set up two weeks prior to the screening. However, the Clinic will attempt to accommodate additional screenings if possible.
Gainer added, “We have a fabulous, wonderful staff that makes a big sacrifice to do what they do. We receive lots of positive feedback stating how they go out of their way to make patients feel comfortable. We love what we do.” The program is sustained by grants and fundraising activities. Gainer said many communities aid the program with unique and creative fundraising activities.
The American Cancer Society recommends every woman over 40 should be screened for breast cancer. Gainer recommends women consult with their doctor regarding the frequency of mammography screening. “Early detection is the best way to save lives.” For more information regarding Bonnie’s Bus, contact St. George Medical Clinic or visit www.wvucancer.org/bonnie or facebook.com/BonniesBus.
