PORT ANGELES — The Olympic Medical Center Foundation’s Red, Set, Go! Heart Luncheon presented by the Jamestown S’Klallam tribe raised $132,000 on Friday, exceeding last year’s record-breaking total by $21,000, said the executive director.
Proceeds will fund a cardiology software package for two new state-of-the-art CT scan machines that also have been purchased for OMC by the foundation.
For the first time, the equipment will be fast enough to scan the heart, as the procedure must be conducted in between beats.
This will save patients from having to travel out of the area to undergo this test, and will provide for improved imaging, said Bruce Skinner, executive director of the foundation.
“We were able to raise money for something that will save lives,” Skinner said.
“Once again, people in this community were extremely generous during these challenging times.”
Speakers at the event included local cardiologist Dr. Kara Urnes and Dr. Iulia Tulai from Swedish Medical Center.
Mary Hebert, a member of the Port Angeles School Board and the OMC Foundation Executive committee, spoke on “My Journey with Atrial Fibriliation,” while Trilby Hainstock, a 1992 Port Angeles High School graduate and an accomplished Seattle artist, spoke on how creating art can improve mental health.
The educational lunch promotes that the key to eradicating heart disease is education.
“The purpose of our event is to inspire women to learn how to improve their heart health. Many women are surprised to learn that heart disease is the number one killer of women,” said event chair Karen Rogers.
“We are still receiving donations,” said Skinner.
“People interested in contributing can contact our office at 360-417-7144.”
