The Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust has granted $349,300 to Powell Valley Healthcare to purchase four ultrasound imaging units and a bladder scan ultrasound system as part of a statewide ultrasound initiative across Wyoming. The initiative includes nearly $13.9 million to help Wyoming hospitals and health centers purchase ultrasound imaging devices and boost sonography and point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) training opportunities across the state.

Two of the ultrasound units will benefit patients at Powell Valley Clinic, especially OB patients, who can have necessary ultrasounds completed during their visit with their provider.  Clinic providers will also utilize the bladder scan ultrasound for patients requiring this specialized imaging.  Two more ultrasound units were received to benefit patients in the emergency department as well as patients seen in radiology.

“Our new ultrasound equipment produces beautiful imaging!  The quality is excellent,” said Brooke Grubb, radiology technologist/sonographer with PVHC. “I’m very satisfied with it and it is great for patient care.” 

Ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves to produce images of structures inside the body. This safe, cost-effective tool supports other clinical information to help providers make timely diagnoses and provide appropriate treatment.  The new state-of-the-art equipment enhances imaging capabilities within the clinic, emergency department, and radiology department, and improves patient care. 

“The new ultrasound equipment we received for the clinic is spectacular,” said Dr. Nicole Comer. “The functionality is great, and the imaging is incredible. I’m super thankful.”

Walter Panzirer, a trustee for the Helmsley Charitable Trust, said the grants will help improve access to quality medical treatment for all Wyoming residents, whether they live in the heart of Cheyenne or Casper or in a smaller rural community.

“Our hospitals and health centers need to stay current with rapidly advancing technology so they can continue to provide top-notch health care close to home,” Panzirer said. “These grants help ensure that facilities across Wyoming have the latest and greatest ultrasound equipment and training.”

The grants were announced Thursday during a statewide news conference.

About two-thirds (97) of the 143 devices purchased through the $12.3 million in equipment grants are POCUS machines, which are used by providers at the bed or tableside for immediate assessment of a patient to quickly determine a course of action. The grants will also provide 26 general ultrasound systems and 20 cardiovascular ultrasound systems, which aid in imaging of the heart.

The initiative also includes nearly $1.6 million for the University of Wyoming’s Wyoming Point-of-Care Ultrasound Training Initiative, which aims to enhance patient care across the state by both broadening the scope of training in specialty ultrasound and bolstering access to quality POCUS services.

Cody receives $466,486 grant for ultrasound equipment

Cody Regional Health received a $466,486 grant announced last week from the Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust to allow for the purchase of four cutting-edge ultrasound units, two handheld ultrasound devices, along with probes and comprehensive training, as part of a groundbreaking statewide ultrasound initiative in Wyoming.

“This generous grant from the Helmsley Charitable Trust marks a significant milestone for Cody Regional Health and the entire community,” said Doug McMillan, CEO at Cody Regional Health. “Ultrasound technology plays a crucial role in modern health care, enabling our providers to deliver accurate diagnoses and tailored treatments. With these state-of-the-art ultrasound units, we will enhance patient care across various clinics, including the Basin Clinic, Walk-In Clinic, OBGYN Clinic, Cardiology Clinic, Surgical Services and Orthopedics. Patients throughout the Big Horn Basin area will benefit from access to advanced ultrasound services, transforming the way we deliver health care.”