New Martinsville, W.Va. – WVU Medicine Wetzel County Hospital, in partnership with the Community Foundation for the Ohio Valley (CFOV), is proud to announce the launch of a $1.5 million fundraising campaign to enhance its radiology department. The first goal of this campaign is to provide local access to cutting-edge breast cancer screening technologies for women in the area.

Spearheading the project is former Director of Radiology at Wetzel County Hospital and a resident of New Martinsville, Fawn Price. Her dedication and passion for her community have been instrumental in initiating this effort.  

“It’s about more than just equipment; it’s about providing peace of mind and essential healthcare services to the women in our community,” says Price. “Having access to 3D mammography services locally can make a significant difference in early detection and treatment outcomes.” 

The campaign recently received a tremendous boost with a generous anonymous lead gift of $50,000 from a local Wetzel County resident. The donation, as well as funds currently in the Wetzel County Hospital Fund at the CFOV, will be used toward the purchase of new ultrasound and mammography equipment to aid in screening for breast cancer. The hospital has budgeted to cover the remaining costs to purchase the initial breast cancer screening equipment this fall but plans to continue radiology equipment enhancements at the hospital with additional equipment that will cost several hundreds of thousands of dollars in total.  

“Technology in healthcare equipment continues to advance,” says the hospital’s AVP Clinical Services Jessica Huffman, DNP, RN. “While the equipment we currently have is safe and meets the standard of care, we are always looking to have the latest technology to provide the best care close to home. Upgrading to state-of-the-art equipment with enhanced diagnostic capabilities, like the 3D mammogram Wetzel County Hospital is purchasing, means that patients will not need to travel for care.”  

“Nearly one in every eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime,” Huffman continues. “It is important for women to undergo regular screenings, like getting a mammogram. We are committed to providing high quality breast cancer screening equipment that can detect breast cancer at earlier stages when it’s more treatable and when the chances for surviving are higher. As a current patient myself with breast cancer, I am very proud of our community, the Community Foundation, hospital leaders, and our hospital board of directors for partnering on this initiative to take care of the people of Wetzel County and surrounding areas.” 

To support the radiology equipment campaign, tax-deductible donations from the community in support of this vital cause can be made by check or online.   

 By Check: 

– Make checks payable to CFOV with “Wetzel County Hospital Radiology” in the memo line. 

– Mail to: 1226 Chapline St., Wheeling, WV 26003.