Cutting Edge MRI Technology Powered by Generous Donors

ALAMOSA — Following the successful unveiling of its new 128 GE Signa Artist Evo 1.5T MRI, San Luis Valley Health is already seeing the positive impact of this state-of-the-art technology, made possible by a $650,000 grant from the Colorado Department of Health Care Policy and Financing and more than $300,000 in contributions from the San Luis Valley Health Foundation.

Director of Radiology, Janet McGinnis stated, "On behalf of our imaging team and the countless patients we serve, I want to express our deepest gratitude to the Foundation, the generous grant funds, and every member of our community who contributed to making our new state-of-the-art MRI machine a reality. Your support is more than just a donation—it’s an investment in quality care, advanced technology, and the health of our community. Because of you, we can provide faster, more precise imaging and improve patient outcomes for years to come. Thank you for making a lasting difference!"

Since implementing the new MRI, SLV Health has increased patient capacity, allowing the imaging team to serve an estimated three to four additional patients per day. This efficiency has significantly reduced appointment wait times, ensuring faster access to critical diagnostic services.

None of this would have been possible without the SLV Health Foundation. Foundation President, Roxann Sittler stated, “We are so thankful to have a community that supports our events to raise funds. As a result, we are able to buy much needed equipment and provide updates to existing equipment. $ 300,000 over the past 2 years has been raised with the Stephanie L. Miner walks, our Bolos and Boots events, the Sporting Clay Classic shoots, as well as numerous personal donations. This has allowed us to update the MRI scanner into a state-of-the-art piece of equipment in the state. We can provide faster and clearer images with improved efficiency. Thank you to all of our donors for making this happen.”

The machine’s expanded capabilities, including prostate and breast imaging, have broadened the scope of services available locally, reducing the need for patients to travel outside the region for specialized imaging procedures. Additionally, the wider bore design has improved patient comfort, particularly for those who experience claustrophobia, making the MRI process far less stressful.

The upgraded MRI continues to meet the growing demand for diagnostic imaging, benefiting not just patients but also referring physicians who rely on SLV Health for high-quality imaging services. With increased efficiency, improved image quality, and expanded service capabilities, SLV Health remains at the forefront of delivering exceptional healthcare to the community. As Donna Wehe, Director of Marketing and Public Relations, previously stated, “It’s a game-changer in the Valley,” and in the months following its introduction, that statement rings even truer than before.