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New Partnership Simplifies Access to No-Cost Mammograms for Buncombe County Residents

Oct 21, 2026 12:27PM ● By WNC Business
The Buncombe County Breast & Cervical Cancer Control Program (BCCCP) has partnered with Novant Health and other community organizations to make no-cost mammograms even more accessible to Buncombe County residents by bringing services to them.

Patients were previously scheduled for an enrollment visit at the Buncombe County clinic in Downtown Asheville, then scheduled for their mammogram at a later date. A new partnership that began in October allows BCCCP patients to receive their screening mammogram at the most convenient location through Novant Health’s mobile mammography unit.

“With four locations alternating around the county, patients will be able to combine their BCCCP enrollment visit and screening mammogram on the same day,” said Buncombe County Program Coordinator Melanie Evans. “This will streamline care for our patients and reduce transportation and time-off-work barriers.”

Thanks to Skyland United Methodist, Swannanoa Valley Christian Ministry, WIC West, and Western North Carolina Community Health Services, patients will now have easier access to services throughout the County.

BCCCP provides breast and chest exams, Pap smears, HPV testing, and mammograms to people who are uninsured or who have Medicaid or Medicare and who meet other eligibility requirements. BCCCP Coordinators help manage recommended follow-ups and make it easier for patients to get referral appointments scheduled.

For patients diagnosed with breast cancer in the program, Novant Health has a comprehensive care location at its South Asheville Medical Park, located at 1815 Hendersonville Road in Asheville. This location brings together women’s care, cancer care, imaging, and outpatient surgery in one convenient location. This means a patient diagnosed with breast cancer can receive most of their care in one location.

BCCCP services will continue to be available at the Health and Human Services building at 40 Coxe Avenue in Asheville if it is more convenient for clients.

BCCCP has been providing affordable, life-saving services since 1992, when the North Carolina Breast and Cervical Cancer Control Program began. In 2025, the County’s BCCCP served 789 patients who received 744 free mammograms. Seven patients were diagnosed with breast cancer in our program last year. They were assisted with applications for financial assistance and referred to oncology care.

The program is funded by the federal and state governments. Buncombe County Health and Human Services partners with the Western Carolina Medical Society (WCMS) Project Access program to be able to serve an even larger population with donated services.

WCMS’ Project Access provided care to 544 patients. The WCMS program coordinates specialty, donated care for individuals in Buncombe and Madison Counties who do not have health insurance and are ineligible for Medicaid. Uninsured BCCCP patients are referred for donated care, including imaging services. If the patient is diagnosed, then they are eligible for additional donated services, including cancer care, reconstructive surgery, and more. All Project Access patients receive free medical interpreting and transportation to medical appointments.

“Our partnership with BCCCP is a tangible example of our work to create a healthier future by expanding access to potentially lifesaving breast cancer screenings for residents in Buncombe County,” said Dr. Stan Fuller, senior vice president and physician in chief for Novant Health Surgical Institute and Western North Carolina region. “By bringing services directly into the community and helping eligible patients receive mammograms at no cost, we’re making it easier for people to prioritize their health and, if needed, connect to a broader network of women’s health and cancer care services throughout Western North Carolina.”

Buncombe County residents interested in BCCCP can learn more about eligibility and can get an appointment by calling 828-250-6006 or visiting buncombenc.gov/pink.

Free Mammogram and Health Screening Event
Just in time for Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Buncombe County Government and Novant Health are partnering with Swannanoa Valley Christian Ministry for a Halloween Health Fair with free mammograms on site; blood pressure and blood sugar screenings; flu, COVID, and other vaccines; costumes; and trunk-or-treat. Interested participants should call NeighborCare to schedule a mammogram at 828-669-9404 ext. 232. No appointments are needed for other screenings or vaccines.

The event is Oct. 31 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Black Mountain Presbyterian (117 Montreat Road, Black Mountain).

This is the first of a series of health events bringing free mammograms and other free screenings to residents.

Source: Novant Health, Western Carolina Medical Society, and Buncombe County Government.

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