MOSCOW— The Gritman Medical Center Foundation Janie Nirk Challenge came to a conclusion, raising $120,000 to purchase the latest echocardiogram technology that will directly improve patient care.
“This machine will enhance our ability to provide exceptional care in the region through essential cardiology services and give us the ability to perform strain imaging for cancer patients,” said Scott Nelson, Gritman’s Director of Diagnostic Imaging.
The Janie Nirk Challenge kicked off in October 2018 when long-time Gritman volunteer and philanthropist, Janie Nirk, pledged to match the first $60,000 donated to purchase the GE Vivid echocardiogram machine. The six-month challenge was completed early thanks to 143 additional donors and a generous $32,200 capstone personal donation from Ed and Beatriz Schweitzer.
“People like Janie are constantly inspiring us and we were up for the challenge,” said Beatriz Schweitzer.
The equipment will be purchased and available for clinical use this spring.
The Gritman Foundation extends its gratitude to each one of you who donated, participated in, and spread the word about this challenge. Your efforts truly show what it means to be a community. Thank you for your continued support of Gritman Medical Center.
Updates
Advanced Artificial Intelligence (AFI) Supported Strain Imaging software has arrived at Gritman Medical Center’s Echocardiography Laboratory. The software installation on our state-of-the-art GE E95 Imaging System took place the second week in May of 2019. This advanced software benefits all patients, and most significantly those patients receiving chemotherapy drugs. Gritman is the first Imaging Department in Idaho, Oregon and Washington to receive this advanced software.
