Woman’s Hospital held a celebration for its newest mobile coach that will continue making mammograms more accessible to women in communities statewide, offering 3D technology. Woman’s President and CEO Rene Ragas was joined by Louisiana Department of Health Secretary Bruce Greenstein, hospital team members, cancer survivors, and community leaders. Funding for the new coach, which replaced an older model, was made possible by the Foundation for Woman’s (FFW). With approximately one in eight women in the United States expected to develop breast cancer during their lifetime, early detection is critical. According to the American Cancer Society, when breast cancer is detected early and is in a localized stage, the five-year survival rate is 99 percent.
“Each year our coaches make hundreds of trips providing thousands of mammograms to women who otherwise might not receive one,” said Woman’s President and CEO Rene Ragas. “We are thankful to Foundation for Woman’s for making this new coach possible, giving more women the opportunity to become proactive about their health. The research is clear that preventive care can help patients live longer and healthier lives.”
Last year, the two mobile coaches provided:
-4,997 mammogram screenings
-398 trips
-37 Louisiana parishes
-2 Mississippi counties
“The mobile mammography coach effectively serves as a force multiplier, allowing us to break down barriers to care and provide testing for thousands of women we may otherwise not reach. We, at LDH, are grateful to the Foundation for Woman’s for providing this gift, and to Woman’s Hospital for their partnership, continuously fighting for women’s health,” said Greenstein.
The Foundation for Woman’s is an extension of Woman’s Hospital that provides philanthropic support. “Foundation for Woman’s is deeply grateful to our generous donors whose support made this new mobile mammography coach possible,” said Ali Landry, president and chief philanthropy officer. “Together, this $1 million investment will help eliminate barriers and ensure every woman receives the care she deserves.”
Woman’s mobile mammography coaches travel the state each week, Monday-Friday, visiting schools, churches, community centers, and other locations. Women are encouraged to make an appointment before arriving, but walk-ins are welcome. Organizations can request a visit at by calling (225) 231-5658.