WVU Medicine’s Bonnie’s Bus mobile mammography unit will visit McDowell County on Tuesday, Nov. 18, providing 3D digital screening mammograms and breast health education at Willow Creek Health Clinic in Roderfield from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Appointments are recommended and can be made by calling 681-201-2051.

The mobile unit offers 3D digital screening mammography, an imaging technology that creates multiple thin images of the breast to aid radiologists in detecting abnormalities. The visit is part of a November swing through southern West Virginia counties, bringing services directly to communities where travel to fixed imaging centers can be burdensome.

Insurance will be billed when available, and outreach staff will be on hand to assist residents with questions about coverage and to help identify financial assistance options for those who need them. By coordinating insurance billing and providing outreach support, organizers aim to reduce logistical and financial barriers that sometimes prevent timely breast cancer screening.

Local health clinics and community leaders have for years emphasized the importance of accessible preventive services. Mobile mammography units like Bonnie’s Bus are designed to expand reach into rural and underserved areas by locating screenings at familiar neighborhood clinics and reducing the need for long-distance travel. For many residents of McDowell County, a nearby screening date can mean the difference between routine follow-up and missed preventive care.

Clinically, 3D digital mammography has been adopted widely because it can improve visualization in dense breast tissue and reduce the need for additional imaging compared with traditional 2D mammography. For patients, that can translate into fewer callbacks and clearer next steps when a screening identifies an area of concern. Breast health education provided during the visit will cover the basics of screening guidelines and follow-up procedures, helping patients understand what results may mean and how to navigate next steps.

Residents planning to attend should call 681-201-2051 to schedule an appointment and bring insurance information if available. Outreach staff at the event will work with attendees to discuss billing and financial assistance options. The visit underscores ongoing efforts to make cancer screening more convenient and equitable for McDowell County residents by combining advanced imaging technology with local outreach and support.