Ford Motor Company Fund is teaming up with Hope Now International and mobile testing provider HealthFair to offer free or low-cost advanced mobile breast cancer imaging to women in the Northwest. This tour is the first initiative under Ford Operation Goodwill Northwest, a joint effort with area Ford and Lincoln dealers designed to expand Ford’s engagement with local communities in the region, especially in the areas of women’s health, teen driving safety, education and hunger relief.
“We are committed to helping meet the growing community needs in this region,” said Jim Vella, president, Ford Motor Company Fund and Community Services. “Ford Motor Company has been investing in our communities for decades, and we plan to expand our community engagement efforts in the Northwest.”
The Ford Women’s Health Initiative Mobile Breast Imaging Tour will launch in Seattle in October (National Breast Cancer Awareness Month), and travel throughout the Northwest. The tour will provide women with breast screening using a 40-foot, state-of-the-art mobile coach equipped with the latest technology in 3D breast cancer imaging from HealthFair.
The safe, comfortable ultrasound procedure provides consistent, accurate 3D images, regardless of breast density or implants. More than 40 percent of women have dense breasts, which increases their risk for breast cancer. Working with local health and community organizations, this service will be offered to participating women in need on a free or low-cost basis.
The first breast imaging session will take place on the Eastside on Saturday, Oct. 1, in an event presented by Ford of Kirkland.
Amy Walen, Kirkland City Council member and Ford of Kirkland controller, has a personal reason to get involved with the Ford Women’s Health Initiative Mobile Breast Imaging Tour: “As a breast cancer survivor, preventive care is a top priority for me, so we’re thrilled to help support the first stop of the tour and work with Hopelink to identify women who could benefit from this service.”
“We’re very pleased to provide this service to our Pacific Northwest community,” said Michael Doherty, chairman of the Northwest Ford Stores group. “Some of our local Ford members have been personally affected by breast cancer, so this effort is important to us.”
According to the Oregon Health Sciences University Knight Cancer Institute, breast cancer is the most common cancer in American women, and – although researchers do not yet know why – the Pacific Northwest has the highest rate of breast cancer in the United States.
While mammograms are instrumental in detecting breast cancer, studies suggest 15.5 million breast cancer cases go undetected or under-diagnosed every year.
When will the mobile be in Tillamook Oregon.
Not sure about that Lori, but we have inquired with Ford and will let you know when we hear an answer. Thanks for asking!
This is the reply I just got back on 1/16:
We have a Tillamook, OR, event scheduled for January 24. Our team is working on an advisory with all the details and I’ll be sure to send you a copy this week when it’s finalized.
Will comment again when we hear back.