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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 10, 2005

Senators Browne and Wonderling Help Secure Grant for Lehigh Valley Hospital
Will Help Pay for New Mammography Equipment 

State Senators Pat Browne, R-16th District, and Rob Wonderling, R-24th District, presented a grant check for $200,000 Wednesday, July 13 to Elliot J. Sussman, M.D., president & CEO of Lehigh Valley Hospital & Health Network (LVHHN), at a press conference at LVH – Cedar Crest & I-78. 

The grant will help pay for digital mammography equipment used in the detection of breast cancer. 

"We are grateful to Senators Browne and Wonderling for demonstrating their commitment to the health of the women of Pennsylvania and the Lehigh Valley," said John G. Pearce, M.D., LVHHN's chief of mammography. "Digital mammography represents the next step in the evolution of high-tech breast imaging." 

Digital mammography promises to enhance clarity of image, reduce the number of "call backs" for women, improve access to mammography services by increasing screening capacity, allow for quicker decision-making because radiologists can see the image immediately and can often spot abnormalities, which means quicker diagnosis and less anxiety for women awaiting results. 

"With breast cancer still the most common cancer among women, early detection and prevention is paramount," Browne said. "This money will allow Lehigh Valley Hospital to obtain the most up-to-date equipment for use in early detection of breast cancer." 

Screening mammography remains the best strategy for finding cancer early and for giving women the best chance for a cure and survival. 

"I am pleased to work with Senator Browne to help secure this grant for Lehigh Valley Hospital," Senator Wonderling said. "Digital mammography is an exciting new tool in the fight against breast cancer. Residents of the Lehigh Valley deserve the very best in detection, and this technology will help save lives via early discovery." 

LVHHN's Breast Health Services performs nearly 40,000 breast imaging procedures on approximately 30,000 women a year.

"All of us at LVH wish to thank Senators Browne and Wonderling for their assistance in securing this state grant to help improve the care for the women of the Lehigh Valley in the fight against breast cancer," Sussman said. "We applaud Senators Browne and Wonderling for supporting our mission to heal, comfort and care for all the people of our community." 

For more information, contact Senator Browne's Allentown District Office or Senator Wonderling's Emmaus office. 

CONTACT:

Matt Moyer
(610) 821-8468