Area Rotaries and Washington County Community Foundation Help HealthPlex Imaging Bring More Comfort to Breast Imaging

Area Rotary groups pose with MVHR staff and donation check
Area Rotary groups pose with MVHR staff and donation check. Front row: Melissa Marion, Maryann Konsugar, Coleen Arnowitz, Darlene Kruth, Eva Jovanovic, and Steve Arnowitz. Back row; Kristen Joseph, Terri Allen, Tom Yoder, Belle Vernon, Jamie Roberts, Mike Thornton, and Jennifer Bomba.

Breast imaging has come a long way over the years to have crisper, clearer images; and, while mammograms are the best tool for early detection, it is not something that most women are eagerly to approach because of the discomfort associated with it. Early detection is key to winning the fight against breast cancer and getting a yearly screening mammogram is proven to increase survival and quality of life. HealthPlex Imaging, in Rostraver Twp., has made strides to keep women up to date on their screenings and maintain that a more comfortable mammogram will encourage more women to have their yearly screening. Earlier this year, area Rotary Clubs and The Washington County Community Foundation provided funding to HealthPlex Imaging for the latest breast imaging technology. The HOLOGIC® SmartCurveTM Breast Stabilization System has been operational for two weeks, at HealthPlex Imaging, providing area women with a more comfortable mammogram without compromising the accuracy of their imaging.

Rotary Clubs from Belle Vernon, Charleroi, Monessen/Rostraver, Monongahela, Pleasant Hills and West Newton pulled their resources and received matching grant money from Rotary International to donate $10,000 to The Monongahela Valley Hospital Foundation for the new system. In addition to fundraising, many club members donated their own money to support this project. The Washington County Community Foundation (WCCF) gifted $5,000 to complete the purchase. Their donation was part of their 2020 Capacity-Building Grants.

When asked about working with the local Rotary clubs and the WCCF, Melissa Marion, director, The Monongahela Valley Hospital Foundation, was so grateful for their support. "It is truly remarkable what this community is able to do when they come together to support our great health system. On behalf of everyone at Monongahela Valley Hospital, I am grateful to the local Rotary Clubs, Rotary International and the Washington County Community Foundation," said Mrs. Marion.

HOLOGIC® SmartCurveTM Breast Stabilization System
Shown with HOLOGIC® SmartCurveTM Breast Stabilization System are left to right: Melissa Marion, director, The Monongahela Valley Hospital Foundation; Jeanette Petruska, mammography supervisor, HealthPlex Imaging; Maryann Konsugar, manager, HealthPlex Imaging; and Karen Sphar, allocations and programs manager, Washington County Community Foundation.