Impact of Pharmacy Student Collaboration with Mobile Mammography Unit on Improving Access to Women's Preventative Health Services in Rural Communities

Advisor(s)

Dr. Michelle Musser

Dr. Emily Eddy

Confirmation

1

Document Type

Poster

Location

ONU McIntosh Center; Activities Room

Start Date

11-4-2025 10:00 AM

End Date

11-4-2025 10:50 AM

Abstract

Upon assessing the needs of the Hardin County community, we identified a gap in women’s healthcare access. Hardin County is a healthcare desert, leaving a significant portion of local women who are unable to access necessary preventative care services. Research shows that women living in rural areas are more likely to be diagnosed with a later stage of breast cancer compared to those who live in urban areas. Improving access to recommended breast cancer screenings in rural areas could help these women receive an earlier diagnosis, and mobile mammography units are shown to be an effective way to reach rural and underserved populations. It is expected that offering mobile mammography services to women in rural and underserved areas, where access to traditional mammogram facilities is limited, will lead to improved adherence to recommended preventative screening guidelines. We are utilizing the OhioHealth Mobile Mammography Unit to provide mammograms to the residents of Hardin County and surrounding areas. The research portion of the event involves patients completing a survey. The survey questions are designed to identify financial, cultural, educational, and transportation barriers that these women may face when attempting to access women’s preventative healthcare services. This study will primarily assess the survey questions to produce qualitative data points that may be used to guide future rural health initiatives. After concluding the research and analysis, we will gain an understanding of what barriers keep women who live in rural areas from accessing life-saving, preventative healthcare screenings.

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Apr 11th, 10:00 AM Apr 11th, 10:50 AM

Impact of Pharmacy Student Collaboration with Mobile Mammography Unit on Improving Access to Women's Preventative Health Services in Rural Communities

ONU McIntosh Center; Activities Room

Upon assessing the needs of the Hardin County community, we identified a gap in women’s healthcare access. Hardin County is a healthcare desert, leaving a significant portion of local women who are unable to access necessary preventative care services. Research shows that women living in rural areas are more likely to be diagnosed with a later stage of breast cancer compared to those who live in urban areas. Improving access to recommended breast cancer screenings in rural areas could help these women receive an earlier diagnosis, and mobile mammography units are shown to be an effective way to reach rural and underserved populations. It is expected that offering mobile mammography services to women in rural and underserved areas, where access to traditional mammogram facilities is limited, will lead to improved adherence to recommended preventative screening guidelines. We are utilizing the OhioHealth Mobile Mammography Unit to provide mammograms to the residents of Hardin County and surrounding areas. The research portion of the event involves patients completing a survey. The survey questions are designed to identify financial, cultural, educational, and transportation barriers that these women may face when attempting to access women’s preventative healthcare services. This study will primarily assess the survey questions to produce qualitative data points that may be used to guide future rural health initiatives. After concluding the research and analysis, we will gain an understanding of what barriers keep women who live in rural areas from accessing life-saving, preventative healthcare screenings.