Photo courtesy of Ventura County Medical Center (VCMC).
VENTURA — Ventura County Medical Center (VCMC) hosted a special dedication ceremony celebrating the opening of its new Breast Health Center on Friday, May 29, 2026.
This milestone marked a major advancement in expanding access to high-quality breast imaging and diagnostic services for Ventura County residents. The project was made possible through a $2,034,969 RISE grant awarded by Gold Coast Health Plan (GCHP), supporting transformative improvements at the region’s critical safety-net hospital.
“Grant opportunities like this from Gold Coast Health Plan are especially important because they allow for a targeted collaboration where our vision to provide enhanced breast health services can be realized for a community that deserves access to high quality health care,” said Matt McGill, VCMC Director of Imaging Services.
Members of the GCHP were present at the dedication ceremony and toured the facility alongside other community stakeholders.
“We are proud that our investment in VCMC’s Breast Health Center will help remove barriers to breast cancer screenings for Medi-Cal members and our community,” said Dr. Felix Nuñez, Gold Coast Health Plan’s Chief Executive Officer. “Breast cancer remains the most pervasive form of cancer among women, and we believe that every woman deserves a fair chance at early detection.”
The new Breast Health Center represents a vital investment in women’s health and a significant step forward in expanding access to high-quality breast care throughout the County.
“The expansion of breast health services at VCMC is important milestone for healthcare in Ventura County as we celebrate a center that will elevate and expand compassionate, high-quality breast health services for women throughout our community,” said Danielle Gable, DNP, RN, CENP, Chief Executive Officer for VCMC and Santa Paula Hospital. “This facility represents our shared commitment to improving access to care, advancing early detection and treatment, and ensuring women in Ventura County receive the exceptional healthcare they deserve close to home,”
Enhancements include expanded mammography hours with evening and weekend appointments, increased screening capacity to reduce wait times, and dedicated patient navigation support from arrival through appointment completion.
“Gold Coast Health Plan’s RISE grants were designed to strengthen health care access for Medi-Cal members throughout Ventura County,” said Erik Cho, Gold Coast Health Plan’s Chief Policy and Program Officer. “Through our investment in the Breast Health Center at VCMC, women in our community will benefit from advanced technology, increased capacity, and reduced wait times – all of which will lead to improved health outcomes.”
The center also introduces advanced imaging technology and facility upgrades, including:
- A second mammography machine equipped with AI-assisted breast density assessment software
- Expanded diagnostic ultrasound capabilities
- A state-of-the-art stereotactic biopsy table and specimen imaging technology to improve biopsy efficiency
- Renovated and repurposed spaces designed to create a more welcoming, modern, and patient-centered environment
These improvements are expected to significantly increase screening capacity and improve early detection rates, particularly among historically underserved populations throughout Ventura County.
For more information about the VCMC Breast Health Center, the services provided and how to schedule an appointment please visit the VCMC Breast Health Center webpage.