NeighborHealth Expands Access to Breast Cancer Screening During Two-Day Community Event
Breast Cancer Awareness Month events in East Boston and the South End offered no-cost mammograms and connected community members with preventive care
BOSTON, MA (October 27, 2026) – NeighborHealth hosted a two-day series of community events on October 13 and 14 in recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, bringing breast health education, preventive care, and no-cost mammograms for eligible patients directly to its East Boston and South End communities.
Held in partnership with Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and the Ellie Fund, the events took place at NeighborHealth’s 10 Gove Street location in East Boston and 1601 Washington Street location in the South End. Along with mammograms, attendees enjoyed food, raffle prizes, giveaways, and children’s activities in a welcoming, community-centered setting.
“Preventive care is most effective when it is accessible, trusted and rooted in the community,” said Mimi Gardner, Vice President and Chief of Community Partnerships at NeighborHealth. ” By bringing screening, education and support together in familiar neighborhood spaces, we are helping more people prioritize their health while reducing barriers to care.”
Across the two-day event, NeighborHealth provided a total of 16 no-cost mammograms. Eligible NeighborHealth patients were able to register in advance or visit during the events as walk-ins. Community members who were new to NeighborHealth could also enroll in advance or be connected with a primary care provider onsite to become eligible for a no-cost mammogram.
“Early detection is critical when it comes to breast cancer,” said Julio Mazul, Executive Vice President and Chief Medical Officer at NeighborHealth. “Routine screenings help identify concerns sooner, giving patients the best possible opportunity for successful treatment and long-term health. Early screening saves lives, and we are committed to making these services available in the neighborhoods we serve.”
Radiology Director Siham Elalami gives a patient a no-cost mammogram at NeighborHealth’s South End Radiology suite during the special event.
The NeighborHealth team welcomes patients to the breast cancer event in the lobby of 10 Gove Street. (From left to right) Dr. Julio Mazul, Executive Vice President and Chief Medical Officer; Eugenia Coronado, Vice President, Specialty Services and Patient Experience; Susana Elman, Communications Manager; Doris Rubio, Board of Directors; Rita Sorrento, Chair, Board of Directors; Takesha Hurd, Chief of Staff; Jean Staropoli, Board of Directors; Joscar Mota, Radiology Aide; and Elida Acuna Martinez, Director of Interpreter Services and Patient Experience.
Sophia Bolanos and Anisa Nabily of Dana-Farber Cancer Institute quizzed guests on breast cancer prevention facts for a chance to win a prize in East Boston.
A South End visitor enters a chance to win a free NeighborHealth raffle with prizes donated by the Ellie Fund and the American Cancer Society, two organizations who also shared breast cancer resources at the event.
