Saint Alphonsus Ontario Receives Grant for Portable Screening Equipment

Saint Alphonsus in Ontario Receives Grant


for Portable Screening Equipment

Ontario, OR – Saint Alphonsus Medical Center in Ontario has been awarded an $8,000 grant for the purchase of a portable bone density scanner. The mobile "Achilles" bone scanner will allow medical teams to identify individuals at risk for porous bones, a condition that often exhibits no symptoms until a bone fracture occurs.

"While Osteoporosis can occur in people of all ages, it is more prevalent among people age 65 and older," explains Dr. Andrew Black, Saint Alphonsus Medical Group Podiatrist. "Seniors with osteoporosis are more likely to sustain bone fracture and require hospitalization or nursing home care for extended recovery. Of all broken hips in the U.S., 90% are associated with osteoporosis. Early detection and intervention can significantly improve outcomes for these patients."

"We are excited about the purchase of this new equipment," says Deb Hampton, Saint Alphonsus -Ontario Registered Dietitian, Outpatient Nutrition and Diabetic Education. "We will now be able to deploy intervention measures for osteoporosis, increase public awareness, and identify those at higher risk of bone fracture throughout our rural communities."

This new program is being made possible by the Corr Family Education Fund of The Oregon Community Foundation, as well as funds raised during an employee giving campaign at Saint Alphonsus.

About Saint Alphonsus Health System


As a faith-based Catholic ministry and not-for-profit health system, Saint Alphonsus Health System reinvests in the communities we serve, through charity care and other benefits. Our goal is to improve the health and well-being of people by emphasizing care that is patient-centered, physician-led, innovative and community-based. Saint Alphonsus Health System serves the people of southwestern Idaho, eastern Oregon, and northern Nevada through these facilities: Saint Alphonsus Regional Medical Center - Boise, ID; Saint Alphonsus Medical Center – Nampa, ID; Saint Alphonsus Medical Center – Ontario, OR; Saint Alphonsus Medical Center – Baker City, OR; and, Saint Alphonsus Medical Group with primary and specialty care providers at over 60 clinic locations, all of which are members of the Saint Alphonsus Health Alliance, a network of over 1400 employed and independent providers. To find out more go to www.saintalphonsus.org