JAMESTOWN, N.D. (JRMC) – The Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust has granted $774,500 to Jamestown Regional Medical Center to purchase a SiteRite™ 9 Vascular Ultrasound System and Mindray TEX/FLEX Ultrasound System for the anesthesia department, a Mindray TE X Portable Ultrasound System for the emergency department, a Philips Elite 7G Ultrasound System and GE LOGIQ E10 with Cardiac Package Ultrasound System for the radiology department, an Intelect® Legend 2 or 4 Channel Combo Electrotherapy and Ultrasound System for the rehabilitation department and a Mindray TE X Diagnostic Ultrasound System for the specialty clinic as part of a $27.4 million ultrasound initiative in North Dakota.
The initiative includes more than $21.8 million to help 69 North Dakota hospitals and health centers purchase ultrasound imaging devices and nearly $5.7 million to boost sonography and point of care ultrasound (POCUS) training opportunities across the state.
“The addition of the Intelect Legend 2 to our rehabilitation department allows us to provide effective, targeted treatments for patients recovering from injuries, surgeries and chronic conditions,” said Tracy Anderson, JRMC rehab manager. “This device enhances our ability to improve mobility, reduce discomfort and accelerate recovery times. We are grateful for the Helmsley Charitable Trust’s investment in JRMC, ensuring our patients have access to the latest in rehabilitative care close to home.”
Ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves to produce images of structures inside the body. This safe, cost-effective tool supports other clinical information to help providers make timely diagnoses and provide appropriate treatment. The addition of ultrasound equipment at JRMC will enhance its ability to perform high-resolution imaging for a range of conditions, from emergency situations to routine screenings. This technology supports faster, more accurate diagnoses, reducing the need for patients to travel long distances for specialized imaging services. By equipping providers with the latest ultrasound advancements, JRMC continues to deliver patient-centered, efficient and high-quality care to the region.
Walter Panzirer, a Trustee of the Helmsley Charitable Trust, said the grants will help improve access to top-notch medical treatment for North Dakotans, whether they live in Fargo, Bismarck, or Grand Forks, or a smaller rural community such as Bottineau, Rugby, or Hettinger.
“These grants will help ensure that hospitals and health centers across North Dakota have the latest in state-of-the-art ultrasound equipment and training,” Panzirer said. “Facilities need to stay current with rapidly advancing technology so they can continue to provide the very best healthcare close to home.”
“Ultrasound technology is a critical tool in diagnosing and treating a wide range of conditions,” Conrad Mitzel, radiology manager at JRMC said. “This new equipment will provide our imaging team with clearer, more detailed images, helping us detect issues sooner and guide treatment more effectively. We are grateful for this investment in our patients’ care.”
The majority (134) of the devices purchased through the grants are POCUS machines, which are used by providers at the bed or tableside for immediate assessment of a patient to quickly determine a course of action. The grants will also provide 57 general ultrasound systems and 24 cardiovascular ultrasound systems, which aid in imaging of the heart.
The initiative also includes nearly $1.9 million to North Dakota State University and nearly $3.8 million to High Quality Medical Education (HQMEDED) to expand sonographer expertise and provide comprehensive POCUS training to doctors, physician assistants, and nurse practitioners. Additionally, more than $64,000 will go to individual facilities to boost sonographer training.
The Helmsley Charitable Trust has committed a total of $72 million to fund ultrasound equipment and training initiatives for rural communities and underserved populations in Nevada, North Dakota, Minnesota, and Wyoming.