U.P. HEALTH CARE NETWORK RECEIVES $500,000 FOR DIGITAL TECHNOLOGY 

LANSING, Dec. 15 2006 – USDA Rural Development Director for Michigan Gene DeRossett today presented a ceremonial grant check for $500,000 to the U.P. Health Care Network, Inc. in Marquette to help bring digital technology to member hospitals.

“USDA Rural Development is committed to improving public health in rural areas,” said DeRossett.  “This grant will help provide a higher quality of medical treatment for U.P. residents.”

The following hospitals are each expected to receive $50,000 of the $500,000 grant award:

• Baraga County Memorial Hospital in L'Anse,
• Bell Hospital in Ishpeming,
• Grand View Health System in Ironwood,
• Helen Newberry Joy Hospital in Newberry,
• Iron County Community Hospital in Iron River,
• Keweenaw Memorial Medical Center in Laurium,
• Munising Memorial Hospital in Munising,
• Ontonagon Memorial Hospital in Ontonagon,
• Schoolcraft Memorial Hospital in Manistique,
• War Memorial Hospital in Sault Ste. Marie.

“Money from the grant will provide assistance in the purchase of Computed Radiography Equipment,” said Gerald A. Messana, executive director of the U.P. Health Care Network.  “The equipment will produce digital radiological images for exams currently being produced on wet film.  These images will be able to be transmitted to physicians electronically, which will improve the turnaround for diagnosis, and ultimately benefit the patients in these hospitals with better quality care.”

The event is part of a series of ceremonies commemorating more than $2 million in grants and loans for communities across the Upper Peninsula.

USDA Rural Development's mission is to deliver programs in a way that will support increasing economic opportunity and improve the quality of life of rural residents. As a venture capital entity, Rural Development provides equity, liquidity, and technical assistance to finance and foster growth in homeownership, business development, and critical community and technology infrastructure. Further information on rural programs is available at a local USDA Rural Development office or by visiting USDA's web site at http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/

###