Calais Community Hospital is excited to kick off fundraising efforts to update its digital mammography equipment with a $10,000 donation from the CCH Auxiliary. The goal of the campaign is to raise half of the funds from individuals, businesses, and foundations towards the $375,000 new digital mammography unit. The hospital will fund the remaining portion of the purchase. “The CCH Auxiliary is pleased to be able to support the purchase of the new mammography equipment,” stated CCH Auxiliary President Kathy MacLaughlin. “Access to quality mammogram services is good for preventative health and important for our community.”
Each year over 250,000 women are diagnosed with breast cancer in the United States. Meaning many of us know someone; a mother, sister, friend, who has had it. Mammography is an important tool used to screen for and diagnose breast cancer. If breast cancer is found early, there are more treatment options and a better chance for survival. Women whose breast cancer is detected at an early stage have a 93 percent or higher survival rate in the first five years.
Although still operatable, the hospital’s current mammogram system was installed in 2010 and is due for replacement. The new digital mammography equipment will have the latest technology, including 3D tomosynthesis diagnostic accuracy at the same low dose as a 2D view. The system has a patient focused comfort design with a variety of paddles to accommodate all women. Enhanced ergonomics and workflows make the technologists jobs easier, enabling a faster and smoother experience for both patient and staff.
CCH is working to ensure continued local access to advanced imaging equipment such as digital mammography, so community members are able to receive their care here, at home. Especially as some may find a hardship in accessing the service if travel is required, or, even worse, may opt not to follow up with recommended screenings. We have found this to be true currently while our mammogram services have been suspended due to a lack of mammogram certified staff. A plan is in the works to bring mammogram staff to CCH one to two days a week beginning in January 2023.
The hospital has and is investing in the future of this area through improvements in our facilities, technology, and services. Join us as we work to sustain CCH as a resource where all people can turn for excellent medical treatment and compassionate care. Show your support in us as we do in you and consider a donation to support the new digital mammography equipment. For more information or to submit a donation, contact DeeDee Travis in the CCH Community Relations office at 207-454-9227.