Hospital seeks donations for 3D mammography equipment

One in eight women will develop invasive breast cancer over the course of her lifetime.

Boundary County has one of the lowest screening rates for annual mammograms in the State of Idaho.

3D Mammography improves the chance of catching breast cancer early. Fry Healthcare Foundation is asking the community for help funding 3D Mammogram equipment recently installed at Boundary Community Hospital to provide this life-saving cancer screening for local women. Together, we can save lives.

What can we do?

“The Hospital Board of Trustees decided to order the Selenia® Dimensions® system from Hologic by using the $26,000 donation received from Fry Healthcare Foundation for the first payments,” according to Hospital Trustee Dennis Dinning. “At Boundary Community Hospital (BCH), we pride ourselves on providing high-quality care to everyone in our community. By committing to obtaining this superior technology (total cost $310,000), we will be able to make a huge impact on our community. We will be better positioned to detect cancer earlier, before costly and more invasive treatments are needed, reduce anxiety due to call backs, offer it in a convenient Bonners Ferry location, and we will be able to improve the patient experience in a more comfortable way. Together, we have the power to offer better care to the women in our lives and our community.”

Now there is no need to drive out of the county for screening exams. BCH uses the same radiologists and the same protocols as Bonner General Health and Kootenai Health with competitive pricing. Most insurance programs cover the screening exams and there is a discount if you choose to pay cash.

Having grown up in Bonners Ferry, Mammographer Amber Allen, RT(R)(M) has a deep sense of community that shows in her care for her patients. She is grateful for the opportunity to care for those she has known for some time and to care for those new to her, treating everyone like family.

“I know a lot of women in the community are scared and uncomfortable with the whole process,” Allen said. “I believe this new technology is a step forward for screening and diagnostics. The curved paddle available on our machine will reduce the discomfort. I encourage everyone who has had their doctor recommend an annual exam to make an appointment here in Bonners Ferry. You can even request an appointment online and Alison, our scheduler, will call you to set it up.”

Mammogram screening appointments are available Mondays and Fridays through Outpatient Services at Boundary Community Hospital. Convenient parking is available off Comanche Street.

How can we help?

It seems like everyone has a story about someone in their life … mother, sister, daughter, aunt, niece, friend, whose life was saved by finding breast cancer early. Consider making a $1,000 “For the One” donation to honor a specific person in your life. “For the One” donations will be recognized with a special plaque in the Mammogram Suite.

Fry Healthcare Foundation announced that the proceeds from the 2020 Festival of Hearts will be dedicated to funding the 3D Mammogram equipment. Consider becoming a sponsor or making a donation directly at http://fryhealthcare.maestroweb.com.

There are other ways to give. Donations can be made directly at the Columbia Bank Bonners Ferry branch who can also help you set up an autopay pledge.

There are approximately 3,000 women over 40 years of age in Boundary County who the American Cancer Society recommends receive annual screenings. Let’s make a difference in their lives by coming together to fund this necessary, life-saving diagnostic equipment.

For more information: www.boundarycommunityhospital.org/3DMammogram