New Partnership Between DC Health and Brem Foundation Expands Free Breast Health Transportation for Underserved Women
For Immediate Release: Sept 22, 2025
Washington D.C. — Today, the Brem Foundation to Defeat Breast Cancer announced its partnership with DC Health to expand its Wheels for Women program to offer free rides to breast care for underserved women across the District. Expanding the program to patients served by DC Health will make important strides toward eliminating one of the most persistent and preventable barriers to early detection of breast cancer in D.C. – transportation.
Brem Foundation launched Wheels for Women in 2019 in partnership with Lyft, to provide free rides to breast screenings and diagnostic appointments. Since then, the program has provided over 4,500 rides, connecting patients to care across the DMV area and Baltimore, with 17 medical provider partners across the region. Under this new partnership, the program will now provide rides to under-resourced patients receiving breast care under DC Health programming, offering reliable transportation to women who would otherwise struggle to reach appointments due to cost, access, or safety concerns.
A survey released by Brem Foundation identified cost as a leading barrier to accessing breast health services. This program expansion addresses that gap by providing cost free, reliable transportation to essential breast care.
“Access to early detection should never depend on whether you can afford a ride,” said Clare Dougherty, CEO of Brem Foundation. “Transportation is one of the most significant barriers to equitable health for all. In collaboration with DC Health, we’re making it easier for women to get the breast health services they need, whether that’s a mammogram, a follow-up test, or an appointment to plan treatment."
"Early detection of breast cancer can make a world of difference, offering hope and a higher chance of long-term survival. However, delayed care and advanced-stage diagnosis reduce treatment options and survival rates,” said Dr. Ayanna Bennett Director DC Health.
“A simple ride can make all the difference in receiving an early diagnosis. Through our new partnership with Brem Foundation, we are helping to lessen transportation barriers so more people can access timely detection and treatment."
A recipient of Brem Foundation’s Wheels for Women program, served through the Ralph Lauren Center for Cancer Prevention said: “It’s the first time I had the test. I was scared … but by the glory of God, nothing was found. Without the ride, there’s no way I would have gotten there on time. Women often take care of family and everyone … but they don’t get the care themselves. I am so grateful for this opportunity.”
This collaboration is part of Brem’s broader mission to advance breast care equity and empower women with the tools and access they need for early detection and better outcomes. In addition to Wheels for Women, Brem Foundation also runs the B-Fund, which covers the cost of diagnostic testing for uninsured patients, and Check Mate, a multilingual breast cancer risk quiz and education tool.
To learn more about Wheels for Women or support Brem Foundation’s work, visit www.bremfoundation.org
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