Recently, Southcoast Health and New Bedford Community Health joined together to open the newly expanded medical laboratory and imaging services at 862 Purchase Street in New Bedford. The organizations have worked together for years to improve access to high-quality care in the region.

“Our goal at New Bedford Community Health is to ensure that everyone in our community has access to excellent care, right here close to home. We’re proud to work with Southcoast Health to make this possible, and believe our strong partnership only strengthens the community health services we provide to our region,” said Cheryl Bartlett, CEO of New Bedford Community Health. “Having the ability to offer all of these services in one place is a tremendous asset to the community and helps our patients get the most out of each visit to the health center.”

The renovated imaging space includes a state-of-the-art tomosynthesis machine, also known as a 3D mammogram machine. As of this summer, all mammograms performed at Southcoast Health Breast Care use this advanced technology to screen for breast cancer, which is the second most common cancer among women in the United States according to the CDC.

“As our region’s leading nonprofit community health system, Southcoast Health frequently partners with New Bedford Community Health – not only to advance public health in our community, but also to help reach patients who face significant barriers to care,” said David O. McCready, President and CEO of Southcoast Health. “The expansion that we are celebrating, along with the addition of a state-of-the-art 3D mammography machine, enables us to bring the latest technology and a vast range of primary and specialty care services to even more patients.”

3D mammograms, unlike traditional mammograms, make it possible to view the breast through thin slices allowing radiologists to see through overlapping densities. The result is a more accurate way of detecting breast cancer, which often reduces the need for follow-up imaging.

Appointments at this expanded location are available to both members of the public and Southcoast Health patients.

“I want to congratulate both the Greater New Bedford Community Health Center and Southcoast Health on a successful expansion in their mammography department. Both the GNBCHC and Southcoast Health’s approach to breast cancer care is more than just treatment. We are glad to have such committed partners to healthcare in New Bedford. I am thrilled to have them expand operations in the city and look forward to their successes for years to come,” said Christopher Hendricks, State Representative of the 11th Bristol District.

To learn more about mammograms at Southcoast Health please visit www.southcoast.org/services/breast-center/mammograms/.