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Warrensburg, MO — Western Missouri Medical Center is planning to acquire additional mammography machines with expanded capabilities in order to meet an increased demand of annual breast cancer screenings. The new initiative, “Empower Through Early Detection,” will reduce wait times for patients, expand access to screenings, and offer minimally invasive procedures for early detection of cancer.
WMMC has experienced a significant rise in scheduled mammograms since 2012, a trend that coincides with increased educational efforts and awareness events such as the hospital’s annual Ladies’ Night Out. To meet this need for increased access to advanced diagnostic tools, the “Empower Through Early Detection” initiative outlines a plan to purchase two new 3D mammography machines, including one with stereotactic breast biopsy capabilities, as well as an additional specialized ultrasound machine for breast ultrasounds.
In addition to increasing patient access, advanced technology will also improve patient comfort with tilted paddles that conform to the breast instead of a flat compression. By reducing exposure time from 25 seconds to just four, the new equipment will improve overall efficiency by allowing the hospital to accommodate more appointments and reduce radiation exposure.
The stereotactic breast biopsy capability will offer a less invasive, highly accurate method for early detection and treatment, ultimately improving outcomes for patients that would otherwise be referred to other facilities for this care.
“The addition of this state-of-the-art equipment will help us fulfill our commitment to cancer care and detection in our greater community,” said Darinda Dick, President and CEO of WMMC. “The increased demand for scheduled mammograms reflects the success of our outreach efforts, but also underscores the necessity for this expansion. We appreciate the WMMC Foundation for adopting this project and helping us achieve this goal.”
The total project cost is $1,355,000 with the WMMC Foundation aiming to raise $855,000 for the equipment. WMMC will fund the remaining $500,000 for construction needs.
“We are calling on our community to join us in making this life-saving project a reality,” said Jan Glover, WMMC Foundation Board President. “Every contribution matters, and we are grateful to everyone who joins us in enabling the hospital to achieve their mission.”
Since 2016, the WMMC Foundation has raised over $2.1 million to fund a variety of projects, including scholarships for students pursuing careers in healthcare, grants for employees in need, the purchase of new healthcare equipment and the remodeling of patient-facing areas in the hospital.
For more information or to donate to the WMMC Foundation, visit wmmc.com/empower.
About Western Missouri Medical Center
Western Missouri Medical Center (WMMC) is a fully accredited acute care county medical center located in Warrensburg, MO. WMMC prides itself in emergency care, obstetrics, orthopedic and general surgery, family healthcare, internal medicine, outpatient clinics, ambulatory care, rehabilitation services and more. Inpatient services include medical, surgical, intensive, obstetrical, orthopedic, pediatric and skilled nursing care, as well as a wide range of therapeutic and diagnostic outpatient services. This institution is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
About the Western Missouri Medical Center Foundation
The Western Missouri Medical Center Foundation is dedicated to fostering community awareness and promoting a culture of philanthropy to support WMMC’s mission of providing high-quality healthcare services that enhance the wellness of our community. Our commitment to putting patients first is not just a motto—it’s reflected in everything we do. By ensuring access to modern facilities and advanced technology right here in our region, we make it possible for our community members to receive top-notch care close to home.
Gifts to the WMMC Foundation touch every area of our medical center. They help attract talented physicians, fund facility expansions, and ensure that we can provide the latest equipment and technology. Whether directed toward a specific need or entrusted to the Foundation’s Board to apply where it’s most needed, every contribution plays a vital role in enhancing the well-being of our community. Through the generosity of donors, the Foundation continues its mission, directly impacting the lives of our families, friends, and neighbors.