Community Health
Missed the Mobile Mammogram? How to Get Screened in Miami Gardens This Fall
Mobile mammogram units bring screenings right into the neighborhood.
A mobile mammogram unit visited the Betty T. Ferguson Recreational Complex on Thursday, September 24, bringing breast cancer screening right into the neighborhood. If you missed it, you still have options, and with Breast Cancer Awareness Month starting October 1, there is no better time to book.
Have insurance? Call your doctor or insurance plan to schedule a screening mammogram. Uninsured or underinsured? Call the Florida Department of Health in Miami-Dade County at 305-470-5634 to see if you qualify for free or low-cost screening. Want the next local event? Watch the city calendar or call the City of Miami Gardens at 305-622-8000.
Why screening matters
Screening mammograms help find breast cancer early, when it is often easier to treat. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends that women ages 40 to 74 get a screening mammogram every two years. Your doctor may suggest a different schedule based on your personal or family history, so it is worth that conversation.
The hard part for a lot of people isn't knowing they should go. It is finding the time, the ride, and the appointment. That is why events like Thursday's matter, and why it helps to have a plan B when you can't make one.
Option 1: Go through your doctor or insurance
If you have health insurance, screening mammograms are usually covered once a year. Call your primary care provider or the number on your insurance card to find an in-network imaging center near Miami Gardens and book an appointment.
Option 2: Free or low-cost screening through the state program
The Florida Department of Health in Miami-Dade County offers access to free or low-cost breast cancer screening for women who are uninsured or underinsured, have a low income, and meet program eligibility requirements. It runs through the Florida Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program. To see if you qualify, call 305-470-5634 or visit the Florida Department of Health in Miami-Dade County program page.
Option 3: Watch for the next mobile event
The city has brought mobile mammogram units to the Betty T. Ferguson Recreational Complex more than once, and past events have offered short appointments with no prescription needed. Keep an eye on the City of Miami Gardens calendar, especially in October, and we will share new dates here as they are announced.
A few tips for your appointment
Bring your photo ID and insurance card. Wear a two-piece outfit so you only need to remove your top. Skip deodorant, antiperspirant, powder, and lotion on your chest and underarms that morning, since they can show up on the images. If you have had a mammogram somewhere else before, know where it was done so your new images can be compared.
If cost or access is a barrier, our local resources guide lists assistance programs available to Miami Gardens residents. The city also hosts free health events like Talk with the Doc.
Frequently asked questions
Where can I get a free mammogram in Miami Gardens?
Women who are uninsured or underinsured, have a low income, and meet eligibility requirements may qualify for free or low-cost screening through the Florida Department of Health in Miami-Dade County. Call 305-470-5634 to check eligibility. The City of Miami Gardens also periodically hosts mobile mammogram events at the Betty T. Ferguson Recreational Complex.
How often should I get a mammogram?
The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends a screening mammogram every two years for women ages 40 to 74. Talk with your doctor about the right schedule for you, especially if you have a personal or family history of breast cancer.
When is Breast Cancer Awareness Month?
Breast Cancer Awareness Month is observed every October. It is a good reminder to schedule a screening if you are due.
What should I bring to a mammogram?
Bring a photo ID and your insurance card, wear a two-piece outfit, and avoid deodorant, antiperspirant, powder, or lotion on your chest and underarms on the day of your screening.
This post is for general information and is not medical advice. Program details and eligibility are set by the Florida Department of Health and may change. Confirm with the provider before your appointment. Published: September 26, 2026.
