Polson, MT—Local donations and a grant from the M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust are bringing 3D mammography to Providence St. Joseph Medical Center in Polson. St. Joe’s began offering 3D mammography to the community in September as a direct result of these funding efforts.
The Providence Montana Health Foundation recently received a grant from the M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust of Vancouver, Washington. This grant of $146,000 will complete the funding for the 3D mammography campaign goal of $353,000, topping off the $207,000 generously contributed by members of our community this past year.
3D mammography has the ability to detect breast cancers 15 months earlier than 2D mammography and reduces unnecessary callbacks by up to 40 percent. In addition, the machine can find over 40 percent more invasive cancers than conventional mammography. The innovative equipment will allow St. Joe’s to take care of patients in their own community while reducing stress and costs for the patient and families.
“The outpouring of generosity this community has offered in support of the 3D Mammography System is truly humbling. So many showed their investment in health care excellence, and it’s truly a gift to the entire region,” said Fran Albrecht, executive director of Providence Montana Health Foundation. “The Foundation is proud to have led fundraising efforts to secure critical mammography equipment that will save lives here in the Flathead and Mission Valleys”.
Providence Montana Health Foundation is a nonprofit supporting the Mission of Providence St. Joseph Medical Center in Polson, Providence St. Patrick Hospital in Missoula and more than 40 clinics and programs throughout Montana.
About M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust
M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust, created by the will of the late Melvin J. (Jack) Murdock, provides grants to organizations in five states of the Pacific Northwest—Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon and Washington—that seek to strengthen the region’s educational and cultural base in creative and sustainable ways. murdocktrust.org
For more information, or to make a gift to Providence St. Joseph Medical Center, please contact Megan Beard, Development Officer; call 406-883-8348 or send an email.
For media interviews and inquiries, please contact Rich Forbis; call 406-883-8273 or send an email.
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