Press Release

CalOptima is bringing the convenience of mobile mammography directly to members who are less likely to obtain breast cancer screenings due to cultural or ethnic disparities. CalOptima is partnering with Alinea Medical Imaging to make these no-cost screenings available to CalOptima Community Network members ages 50–74 who are due for this annual preventive care service. Women will be encouraged to get their breast cancer screenings through texting campaigns, social media and at community events in geographic areas where they live.

With recent data from the CDC showing an alarming decline in breast cancer screenings exacerbated by the pandemic, the mobile clinics reflect CalOptima’s commitment to making health equity a strategic priority and addressing the social determinants of health. In 2021, CalOptima conducted a Population Needs Assessment that identified a low incidence of breast cancer screening in the Asian population among Chinese members at 49% and Korean members at 57%. 

“As incoming Chief Medical Officer, I’m pleased to see CalOptima’s focus on health equity and bringing services to hard-to-reach communities,” said Richard Pitts, D.O., Ph.D., CalOptima’s incoming Chief Medical Officer. “These mobile clinics bring life-saving care directly to members who haven’t accessed these screenings perhaps due to the pandemic or a need for further education about the importance of preventive care.”

Other women in Orange County are also encouraged to access the screening services through the Department of Health Care Services’ Every Woman Counts (EWC) program. EWC works to eliminate health disparities for medically underserved, low-income individuals. Women 40 years old or older, or those of any age who have warning signs of breast cancer, may be eligible for EWC, according to the criteria here: www.dhcs.ca.gov/services/Cancer/ewc/Pages/default.aspx.  

“We highly encourage our members, particularly those in our Chinese and Korean communities, to prioritize their health by signing up for one of these upcoming no-cost clinics,” said Michael Hunn, CalOptima Interim Chief Executive Officer. “We are fortunate to have valued partners like Alinea Medical Imaging in order to offer these screenings.”

CalOptima requests that members make an appointment, although walk-ins will be accepted based upon availability. Sign up online (see below for each event) or call Alinea Medical Imaging at 1-877-426-3926, Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

A county organized health system, CalOptima provides publicly funded health care coverage for low-income children, adults, seniors and people with disabilities in Orange County, California. CalOptima’s mission is to provide members with access to quality health care services delivered in a cost-effective and compassionate manner. In total, CalOptima serves more than 856,000 members with a network of nearly 9,400 primary care doctors and specialists as well as 41 acute and rehab hospitals.