North Dakota Hospitals and Clinics Receive Over $27 Million Grant for Ultrasound Equipment and Training

FARGO, N.D. (KVRR) — The Helmsley Charitable Trust has granted $27.4 million in its ultrasound initiative for North Dakota clinics and hospitals. With $21.8 million to help 69 North Dakota hospitals and health centers and $5.7 million to boost training opportunities throughout the state.

“We’re definitely very grateful to the Helmsley Charitable for this grant opportunity and we really think that it will add value and quality to the care that we’re providing to our patients,” said Kelly Polcher, Family Nurse Practitioner and Co-Medical Director at Family Health Care.

The program has been running since 2008 and has awarded more than $750 million to organizations and initiatives in states such as Minnesota, South Dakota, and Montana. Their mission has provided the latest in medical equipment to rural communities.

“It also leverages brand new technology, cutting edge technology in all of these locations. But it really allowed us to bring in house ultrasound services at three of our rural clinics that historically did not have equipment available to them,” said Julie Singewald, Vice President of Radiology Services at Essentia Health.

This will be the second year for Essentia to receive a grant, but this year the money funds five Essentia clinics in North Dakota.
Polcher says that with this new equipment, they will be able to provide better care for patients.

“By offering this we’re the point of care ultrasound will remove some barriers for patients because we will be able to offer that here during a visit. And determine if there is a need for further testing,” said Polcher.

Both Family Health Care and Essentia have received their ultrasound equipment and hope to have it up and running within the coming days.

The Helmsley Charitable Trust has committed a total of $72 million to fund ultrasound equipment and training in North Dakota, Minnesota, Nevada and Wyoming.