In the heart of Dayton’s Wright Dunbar District, bright pink ribbons now stretch along the sidewalks, a visual reminder of the fight against breast cancer and a call to action for residents to stay on top of their breast health.
Local effort to remove barriers to screening
Sybil Martin, Executive Director of the Norma J Ross Memorial Foundation, explained to News Center 7’s Taylor Robertson that the ribbons are part of a broader initiative to reduce obstacles that keep people from getting mammograms. “We want to limit the barriers people face getting mammograms, such as lack of insurance coverage or transportation,” Martin said.
To address the transportation hurdle, Premier Health parked its Mobile Mammogram truck in the district on Friday. The truck travels around the area, bringing the service directly to the people who need it.
Fear and education also tackled
Martin noted that fear remains a significant barrier. Some women are scared of the mammogram procedure itself, while others dread hearing the words, “You have breast cancer.” She added, “The fear is something that we work very hard on, but that’s a very personal battle to get over. But we are here to help in every way that we absolutely can.”
The foundation hopes that as residents walk past the pink ribbons, they will be reminded to schedule screenings, honor survivors, and remember those who have lost their battle.
Community response
Local volunteers have helped paint the ribbons, turning a simple sidewalk project into a community‑wide statement of solidarity. Residents reported feeling a renewed sense of hope and encouragement after seeing the ribbons and learning about the mobile unit’s schedule.
“Seeing those ribbons every day makes me think about getting checked,” said longtime Wright Dunbar resident Maria Lopez. “It’s a reminder that we’re not alone in this fight.”
How to access the mobile mammogram service
Premier Health’s Mobile Mammogram truck will remain in the Wright Dunbar District for the remainder of the week, offering free or low‑cost screenings on a walk‑in basis. No appointment is required, and the service is open to all adults meeting the standard screening age guidelines.
For those unable to visit the truck, the Norma J Ross Memorial Foundation continues to partner with local clinics to provide transportation vouchers and financial assistance for mammograms.
Looking ahead
Martin emphasized that the ribbon project is just the beginning. “We plan to expand this effort to neighboring districts, bringing more mobile units and educational outreach to ensure every Ohio woman has access to life‑saving screening,” she said.
By combining visual awareness, mobile health services, and community education, Wright Dunbar’s pink ribbon campaign aims to lower breast‑cancer mortality rates and strengthen the district’s commitment to caring for its families.
Original reporting: WHIO-TV Dayton (local) — read the source article.
