CA, US & World
Rep. Raul Ruiz Reintroduces Mobile Cancer Screening Act to Expand Access in Underserved Communities
Representative Raul Ruiz is once again pushing to expand healthcare access for underserved communities across the country, including in the Coachella Valley. This week, Ruiz reintroduced the Mobile Cancer Screening Act, a bill aimed at making cancer screenings more accessible in rural and underrepresented areas.
The legislation would establish mobile cancer screening units, focusing on communities where patients face transportation barriers or lack of healthcare facilities. While federal guidelines currently require private insurance coverage for screenings for those at high risk for lung cancer, Ruiz points out that many eligible patients still struggle to access these life-saving services.
The bill comes in the wake of the Braidwood Supreme Court decision, which upheld the requirement for private insurers to cover preventive care, including cancer screenings. Ruiz says the proposed legislation builds on that ruling by addressing real-world gaps in accessibility.
“This is about bringing health equity to communities that have been left behind,” said Rep. Raul Ruiz. “Early cancer detection saves lives, but it doesn’t help if patients can’t get to a screening location. The Mobile Cancer Screening Act can change that.”
The measure has received national backing from surgeons and healthcare professionals who support expanding screening options through mobile services.
If passed, mobile screening units would be deployed across the country, including in California's rural and desert regions. Ruiz believes this would be a critical step forward for communities like those in the Coachella Valley, where many residents face long drives to access specialized care.
Explore: NBCPalmSprings.com, where we are connecting the Valley.
By: NBC Palm Springs
July 15, 2025
Latest Instagram Posts
Tim O’Brien introduces Game 2 as the Coachella Valley Firebirds take on the San Diego Gulls! #CVFirebirds #FirebirdsHockey #SanDiegoGulls #AHL #hockeynight
Hurricane Isaias is bringing worsening conditions to Gulf Shores, Alabama, with strong tropical storm-force winds and heavy rain. CNN’s Isabel Rosales describes the intense conditions as the storm approaches. #HurricaneIsaias #SevereWeather #Alabama
Concussion protocol? “You just rub some dirt on it.” 😭🛼 Have you been to a roller derby game yet? Let us know below 👇 #rogginreport #coachellavalley #rollerderby #localsports #nbcpalmsprings
New music Friday! Sheryl Crow drops her 12th studio album, “Pick You Up,” while Greta Van Fleet returns with “Palace for the People.” Plus, British indie band The Lilacs release their debut album, “Keeping Up With The Joneses.” Which new release are you listening to first?
🐕 Desert Hot Springs is cutting ties with a dog rescue in Washington state after an animal cruelty investigation involving nearly 30 dogs. The city suspended its partnership with Pittie Project PNW yesterday. Detectives were called to the property on Monday where they found dogs injured, underweight and living in filthy conditions without enough food or water. Investigators discovered that the property's owner, 38-year-old Ashley Georgia, was solely responsible for their care. All of the dogs were removed and are now getting medical attention.
Social Time with Thalia & Jerry
What do you think is really going on here? Drop your thoughts below 👇 #therogginreport #coachella #coachellavalley #localnews #nbcpalmsprings
During the 2025-2026 school year, PEN America reported there were nearly 12,000 book bans in public schools nationwide, the largest number of book bans in a single year since the group started tracking numbers in 2021.
Delta Airlines overhauled its frequent flyer program in 2024. CNN’s Randi Kaye asks Delta CEO Ed Bastian if the airline has made it more difficult for flyers to earn status and if any further changes to the loyalty program are on the horizon.
Social Time with Thalia & Jerry. Favorite Festival?