Heart of the Rockies Regional Medical Center Foundation has received a $200,000 grant from the Colorado Department of Local Affairs (DOLA). The funds will be used to help purchase a new CT scanner with cardiac capabilities for the Salida hospital.
"We are very grateful for DOLA's support and their partnership with us," said Kimla Robinson, HRRMC Foundation director. "The new CT scanner will cost $605,000, and the DOLA grant goes a long way toward making that purchase possible. Proceeds from this year's Jewel Ball fundraiser on Sept. 24 will also be earmarked for this purchase."
The new CT scanner will replace the CT scanner purchased by the hospital in 2003 and offer enhanced image quality and reduce a patient's exposure to radiation. It will also provide some new capabilities, including a noninvasive way to visualize the heart and identify coronary artery disease.HRRMC has been expanding its cardiac services in recent months. James Schmidt, M.D., of Colorado Springs Cardiologists, began seeing patients full time in Chaffee County in June. Previously, visiting physicians from Colorado Springs Cardiologists rotated through the hospital's Specialty Clinic and HRRMC Buena Vista Health Center. The new CT scanner will offer Dr. Schmidt an important tool for diagnosing heart disease and enable patients to schedule the test locally rather than traveling to the Front Range.
The HRRMC Foundation provides the hospital with financial support to facilitate innovative programs and provide state-of-the-art health care services to the Salida Hospital District. For more information about the Foundation's initiatives, call Kimla Robinson at (719) 530-2218.
About the Department of Local Affairs
For many communities throughout Colorado, DOLA is the "face of state government"-that initial and primary point of contact where local communities work in partnership with the state. Their mission is "Strengthening Colorado Communities," which exemplifies the level of responsiveness and attentiveness that lies at the heart of their services. DOLA provides technical and financial assistance to communities across the state and has four program divisions: the Board of Assessment Appeals; the Division of Housing; the Division of Local Government and the Division of Property Taxation. All department services provide support to local communities and help bolster capacity.
