Celebrating Success: Festival of Trees Raised Over $37,000 for New Medical Imaging Equipment at Schoolcraft Memorial Hospital

January 4, 2024

The 2023 Festival of Trees at Schoolcraft Memorial Hospital (SMH) has not only become a beloved community tradition but has also proven to be a powerful force for positive change. The event, held annually, raised over $37,000, a remarkable achievement that will contribute to the purchase of new medical imaging equipment for the hospital. Eighty prizes consisting of designer trees, wreaths, getaways, and packages were distributed to winners on December 9th after the raffle and auction closed.

This success was made possible through the combined efforts of the community, generous donors, and the dedicated organizing committee and volunteers. The funds were raised through various channels, including the sale of over 10,000 raffle tickets and the enthusiastic participation in the online auction, which brought in over $14,000 in bids. The record-breaking number of businesses sponsoring trees, wreaths, and prize packages showcased the strong support and engagement of the Upper Peninsula business community. Without the collective generosity of area businesses and donors, this achievement would not have been possible.

People from across the Upper Peninsula flocked to witness the Festival of Trees in person, underlining its growing popularity and impact. The event not only served as a festive celebration but also as a reminder of the community’s commitment to supporting vital healthcare initiatives.

The funds raised during the Festival of Trees will play a crucial role in supporting the replacement of Schoolcraft Memorial Hospital’s Medical Imaging equipment. The hospital’s Medical Imaging department has installed three new pieces of equipment, including two new general X-ray units, Fluoroscopy, and Portable imaging equipment. The investment exceeded 1.1 million dollars. Schoolcraft Memorial Hospital was awarded a USDA grant in the amount of $349,685 to support the purchase of this equipment. In 2023, we kicked off our campaign to raise funds for this equipment, with $65,000 raised so far.

The decision to replace all three pieces of equipment simultaneously represents a strategic move towards embracing the latest advancements in technology, enhancing patient comfort, and ensuring safety. The interchangeable components of the new equipment allow for improved flexibility and efficiency in meeting the diverse needs of patients.

The replacement of the general X-Ray room and Portable X-ray unit is particularly significant, as it introduces cutting-edge features such as, AI algorithms for the automated image analysis of critical findings, quality checks and measurements, auto-positioning, auto-tracking, and the ability to share detectors for enhanced patient safety. The Portable X-Ray machine’s mobility ensures access to critical areas such as the ICU, ER, OR, and isolated patient rooms, reducing delays in patient care and facilitating quicker transfers to higher care facilities.

Furthermore, the reconfigured Radiography/Fluoro (R/F) room is equipped with the latest X-ray and fluoroscopy technology. Fluoroscopy takes single x-ray images in rapid succession in a short period of time. Those images can then be played back, like a mini x-ray movie. This multipurpose space allows our technologists to perform new procedures and exams. The new equipment allows us to do traditional fluoroscopic exams such as epidural steroid injection (ESI), barium swallow, musculoskeletal pain injections, upper and lower GI exams. This upgrade not only expands SMH’s imaging capabilities but also improves departmental and organizational workflows.

The new Medical Imaging Suite at Schoolcraft Memorial Hospital now boasts state-of-the-art equipment, including 3D Mammography, 3D Ultrasound, Fluoroscopy, General X-Ray, EKG, Nuclear Medicine, CT, 4D Echocardiography, DEXA (Bone Density) and even a traveling MRI unit. These advanced technologies ensure superior image quality, leading to more accurate diagnoses and, ultimately, better treatment plans.

The success of the Festival of Trees demonstrates the power of community collaboration and generosity. The funds raised will have a lasting impact on the healthcare services provided by Schoolcraft Memorial Hospital, allowing them to continue delivering the highest standard of care to the community. The installation is now complete and marks a significant step towards advancing patient care, improving health outcomes, and strengthening community well-being.

Over the last several years, Schoolcraft Memorial Hospital Schoolcraft Memorial Hospital has improved opportunities for its patients to receive specialty services. An expansion project to bring all services to the same campus started in 2021 and was completed in 2022. Within five years, Schoolcraft Memorial Hospital has added service capabilities in Rehabilitation Services, Aquatic Therapy, advanced CT imaging, nuclear medicine, and specialty services such as oncology, urology, cardiology, ENT, psychiatry, and surgical podiatry. Schoolcraft Memorial Hospital also opened a family practice clinic in Naubinway, MI to better meet patient needs east of Schoolcraft County. Schoolcraft Memorial Hospital Rural Health Clinic has a Behavioral Health clinic in downtown Manistique, which addresses our region’s growing behavioral health needs. To learn more about our services, please visit: https://scmh.org/services/