PHOTO (L to R): Martin Tursky, MCM President/CEO, Rachel Blizzard, MCM Director of Marketing and Fund Development, Jae Evans, Isabella Bank Corporation President/CEO, Jerome Schwind, Isabella Bank President, Pam Myler, MCM Board Chair
McLaren Central Michigan (MCM) will soon be home to the latest technology for breast health. MCM signed a purchase agreement late December to bring in Hologic’s 3D Digital Mammography machine, Genius™.
The Genius™ mammography exam is the only mammogram FDA approved as superior for women with dense breast tissue. The equipment provides greater accuracy for women and men across a variety of ages and breast densities, scans faster for less time under compression, detects 20-65% more invasive breast cancer compared to the 2D mammogram and reduces callbacks by up to 40%.
Included with the new technology is an ergonomically designed stabilization system, SmartCurve™. The SmartCurve™ system is clinically proven to deliver a more comfortable exam. Hologic added the new system to address “patient discomfort,” which is the main reason why many women put off having a potentially life-saving mammogram.
“Early detection is key,” said Martin Tursky, President/CEO for McLaren Central Michigan. “The advanced technology of the Genius™ will help save lives in our community.”
The hospital underwent an aggressive capital campaign in late Fall 2018 to raise funds for the equipment.
“The outpouring of community support for this campaign was inspiring,” said Pam Myler, MCM Hospital Board Chair. “The Board of Directors would like to extend our sincerest thanks to all of those who helped make the purchase of this equipment possible.”
Isabella Bank helped kick off the campaign by pledging a lead gift of $100,000. Jae Evans, Isabella Bank CEO said, “Isabella Bank is committed to making the communities we serve stronger. This equipment will help do exactly that.”
Muskegon Development Company, Miles for Miracles and Mercantile Bank were among several other businesses, organizations and community members that financially supported the purchase of the Genius™. McLaren physicians and employees were also major contributors to the campaign.
The new equipment is set to be installed mid-March and fully operational by April 2019.