Happy Anniversary, Big Pink Bus!
Lone Star Circle of Care launched our mobile mammography unit one year ago today, with a mission to provide accessible and affordable breast cancer screenings to underserved and uninsured women. To date, the bus has performed more than 1,700 mammograms, during 149 screening events at 22 unique locations. 13% of patients that received mammograms on the Big Pink Bus required follow-up services, such as diagnostic mammograms or ultrasounds. Two patients have been diagnosed with cancer.
At 39 feet long, 13 feet tall, and 8.5 feet wide, the bus has traveled 10,000 miles across Central Texas to increase patient access to services. The staff required to operate the bus, is small but mighty, with one driver and one mammography technologist onboard. A coordinator and two patient navigators round out the team to ensure patients are scheduled for appointments, assessed for eligible funding programs, are notified of their results, and guided to additional services and resources, as needed.
Lone Star Circle of Care remains committed to increasing breast cancer screening rates among underserved women in Central Texas. Through the operation of the Big Pink Bus, we provide timely, affordable screenings for women experiencing barriers to preventive care and treatment. Thanks to our stakeholders, volunteers, staff and community partners for making our first year a success!
You too can join in the fight for the 1 in 8 women who will get breast cancer in her lifetime. The 2022 Texas Mamma Jamma Ride, an annual bike event that raises funds to support the Big Pink Bus, takes place on Saturday, September 17 in Taylor.
There are routes for every rider – 15, 25, 50 and 70 miles! Register now and start fundraising for a great cause! You do not have to ride to participate. If cycling is not your thing, you can sign up as a virtual rider or a volunteer.
