The Suffolk (VA) Chapter of The Links Inc. partnered with Chesapeake Regional Healthcare to bring a Mobile Mammography Unit to Suffolk on Oct. 9 for free breast cancer screenings.

“Health is a focus of our national organization, and one of the components was to focus on breast cancer awareness,” said Links member Betty Swarm.

The van was parked at the Social Services building in downtown Suffolk, and they hoped to have a decent turnout from women in the area.

“It is so very important for the underinsured and non-insured, because they are less likely to go to the doctor,” said Links President Duanne Hoffler-Foster. “So, we bring this to them so they can have access, because we have the means to help those in need.”

By doing screenings like this, the members are fulfilling the mission of their national organization to serve their community.

“We want to help the community, and we want people to see the organization in action. We want them to know that we care so that they can seek us for additional resources,” said Hoffler-Foster.

The screenings are important for the community, and the member of The Links Incorporated hope that the community continues to come out.

“We want to ensure the longevity of life,” Swaim said.

This is the second year the organization has offered the free screenings, and last year roughly 10 women participated. Hoffler-Foster hoped that they would surpass that number this year.

Those that attend the van do so every chance they get.

“I come whenever I see them around. It’s really important, but I probably wouldn’t get the screening if they didn’t show up,” said patient Elsie Carr.

Currently, The Links Incorporated has not scheduled another session with the van, but they plan on having more screenings in the future.

They have scheduled, in conjunction with Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, free colorectal screenings at Sentara Obici Hospital from 6 to 8 p.m. on Nov. 13.