First Wind gives to Foundation campaign

    HOULTON — Officials with the Health Services Foundation announced they have received a $5,000 donation from First Wind, an independent U.S.-based wind energy company, to be dedicated toward the Foundation’s Digital Mammography Campaign.
    “The recent gift by First Wind of $5,000 to the Health Services Foundation has provided a significant breath of energy to keep the Digital Mammography Campaign sailing along, said Elizabeth Dulin Foundation executive director. “First Wind is committed to delivering clean, renewable wind energy that not only provides clean power, but also generates financial benefits for local communities. Their firm belief that wind power is changing the energy future of America to gain energy independence reflects their strong belief of investing in local communities, not only in energy, but by also giving back. Their generosity will assist in keeping this vital campaign heading on a strong course for a successful conclusion.
    “First Wind understands how important Houlton Regional is to all the communities they serve, and the needs that face our local health care providers on a daily basis. That this project will have enormous far-reaching effects in the field of breast cancer screenings and give Houlton Regional the necessary tools for early detection of this very serious disease at the local level. We thank them so much for being a part of this very important fundraising effort,” said Dulin.
    “First Wind appreciates the excellent and important work the Foundation does every day, and we’re proud to support the women and men who are dedicated to preventing and fighting breast cancer,” said Matt Kearns, vice president of Northeast business development for First Wind.
    Breast cancer is the most common cancer among American women, however, not only women, but men as well, face a breast cancer diagnosis, and by bringing the GE Senographe Care Full Field Digital Mammography System to Houlton Regional a vitally needed service will provide far better early detection of breast cancer with superior digital screenings.
The new digital mammography equipment will assist in patient care by reducing patient exam time, allowing medical facilities to examine more patients who need mammograms. The GE technology will help decrease patient callbacks, and offers a comprehensive view of the entire breast area.
    The GE system displays high quality patient images in seconds, providing technologists with quick verification of correct patient positioning. Digital mammography offers practical advantages over film screen mammography by improving contrast, and the use of advanced computer and electronic technologies to manipulate the image in order to better “see” certain breast tumors that are currently difficult to visualize on film screen mammography systems.
    “Houlton Regional consistently scores at or above other hospitals in Maine in surveys regarding patient care, and with Foundation assistance, will continue the excellent care that Houlton Regional provides,” Dulin said. “We are pleased to be able to continue those high standards of the hospital in the area of Digital Mammography Services.”
    The Foundation has been fundraising for local non-profit health care providers since 1983 and its efforts see positive results with equipment, educational programs, and capital needs being assisted within its financial ability. The Foundation’s mission of “Supporting Excellence in Healthcare” is important to everyone it serves, as providers would find it far more difficult to attain some of the equipment, or offer programs genuinely needed in the local communities.
     “In 2001, fund-raising efforts were focused on the purchase of Sophie, the current mammography equipment, which at that time was state-of-the-art. It was a great step up for our hospital at that time, and we were delighted to successfully raise the needed funding to bring that equipment to the local area. Ten years later, we know, once again, that it is vitally important we stay ahead with the latest technology and bring digital mammography screening to our hospital,” said Dulin.
    Anyone wishing further information regarding digital mammography or other Foundation projects, or to make a donation please call our office at 207-521-2147 or visit the website at www.healthservicesfoundation.org.