Family Health West in Fruita provided free mammograms to 100 uninsured women in the Grand Valley as part of a health care outreach effort.

Family Health West partnered with Grand Valley Catholic Outreach, the Latimer House, Marillac Clinic and Mesa County Department of Human Services to identify participants.

Family Health West recently expanded its radiology department to offer three-dimensional tomosynthesis mammography, diagnostic imaging that increases cancer detection. In addition to the mammograms, Family Health West provided transportation and  patient education.

The effort is part of the mission at Family Health West, said Mark Francis, chief executive officer of the health care organization.

“We are dedicated to providing the best in health care services to our community. But unfortunately, not everyone can afford health care. We are pleased to partner with organizations that serve the uninsured and offer this advanced technology to women who would not normally be able to benefit from it,” Francis said.

Beverly Lampley, director of development and communication for Grand Valley Catholic Outreach, said most of the homeless women with which the organization works have no insurance.

“The homeless community is like many other subsets of society with friendships forming family bonds. There have been losses among these women from cancer — some from breast cancer,” Lampley said.

“Many of the women over 50 have never had a mammogram. To be able to get a free mammogram is a huge event for all of them. But the really important factor to them and to us is that someone thought enough of them and their needs to offer this special day — not only the mammogram, but also to provide transportation,” she said.

Family Health West operates a hospital, outpatient care centers and assisted- and skilled-care living centers. For more information, call 858-2104 or visit the Web site at www.familyhealthwest.org.