The MaryEllen Locher Breast Center has relocated its Hixson facility to a new site within the Plaza Building at CHI Memorial Hospital Hixson. The updated center now provides a comprehensive array of breast care services for women in Chattanooga and surrounding areas.
The services available at the new location include 3D mammography (tomosynthesis), breast ultrasound, stereotactic and ultrasound-guided breast biopsies, bone density scans, and access to the CHI Memorial Breast Care Associates clinic. The facility also features Oasis waiting areas and a boutique.
Funding for the new center was supported by $2 million in contributions from sponsors and donors of the Pink! gala. Jennifer Nicely, president of the CHI Memorial Foundation, highlighted a key feature: “We are particularly proud to unveil the Mark Hite Family Waiting Room in the new center. To honor the legacy of a person who was instrumental in raising funds for the center but also made such a huge mark on caring for others. I know he would be so pleased to see how many families will be embraced with warmth and healing in this space.”
All MaryEllen Locher Breast Center locations offer 3D mammography technology. According to information provided by the organization, this method allows radiologists to view breast tissue more clearly, helps detect certain cancers earlier, and supports more personalized screening experiences.
The MaryEllen Locher Breast Center operates four physical locations—in Chattanooga, Hixson (at its new address), Ooltewah, and Ringgold—as well as two mobile mammography coaches serving greater Chattanooga.
Following American College of Radiology guidelines, women are advised to undergo risk assessments by age 25. Those at average risk should begin annual mammograms at age 40; individuals at higher risk may need earlier or more frequent screenings that could include MRI.
Financial assistance is available year-round through partnerships with organizations such as the Tennessee Breast and Cervical Screening Program, Georgia Breast and Cervical Cancer Program, and Susan G. Komen Foundation. These programs support eligible uninsured or under-insured women in accessing both routine screenings and diagnostic work-ups if needed.
The MaryEllen Locher Breast Center is accredited by the American College of Radiology and describes itself as Chattanooga’s only comprehensive breast center.
CHI Memorial is part of CommonSpirit Health—a not-for-profit health system founded by the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth—and serves Southeast Tennessee and Northwest Georgia with nearly 500 affiliated physicians across various specialties including cancer care, cardiology, neuroscience, stroke care, orthopedics, rehabilitation services, preventative care, primary care, and acute hospital treatment. More details about their services can be found at commonspirit.org/memorial.
