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The Franklin Farmers Market will feature a key addition Saturday morning, July 16, as Chesapeake Regional Healthcare’s Mobile Mammography Unit will be on hand providing free mammograms.

“It will be for women at least 35 years old that don’t have insurance to cover a mammogram,” Market Manager Robert Campbell said.

Chesapeake Regional officials stated on the organization’s website that the mobile mammography unit is equipped with all-digital 3D technology to help detect breast cancer in its earliest stage, and the unit brings this technology to desired locations.

“The 3D mobile unit makes annual screening mammograms easy for women to complete without leaving their workplace, neighborhood or community,” officials stated. 

Tricia Hardy, with Chesapeake Regional Healthcare media relations, noted that with funds raised through its annual The Bra-ha-ha campaign — a one-of-a-kind fundraising experience that celebrates survivorship and artistry — Chesapeake Regional provides free mammograms and related breast health services to eligible, uninsured and underinsured community members. Free mammograms are offered year-round to those who qualify. People can call 757-312-6536 to make an appointment and learn more.

Those who qualify are invited to come get a free mammogram between 9 a.m. and noon July 16 at the Franklin Farmers Market, which is located at 210 S. Main St. in downtown Franklin.

Making this offering available from Chesapeake Regional was of significant importance to Campbell.

“I just reached out to them because I have five daughters — one that had a scare,” he said. “I had a first cousin that had a double mastectomy. I’ve lost a number of people from cancer, so it was something that I wanted to do.”

The Mobile Mammography Unit will be offered in addition to the market’s standard vendors.