Local healthcare recipients of Helmsley Charitable grants

The Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust has awarded $13.9 million to Wyoming-based hospitals and clinics for the acquisition of ultrasound equipment and statewide sonography training. The formal announcement came at a press conference delivered on Thursday, March 21. $12.3 million was awarded to Wyoming hospitals and clinics for ultrasound equipment while an additional $1.6 million was allocated to the University of Wyoming’s Wyoming Point-of-Care Ultrasound Training Initiative, which aims to enhance patient care across the state.
In Basin, Three Rivers Health received $199,845 through the trust. The hospital will utilize its grant in the purchase of Philips Cardiology Ultrasound equipment and a GE Point-of-Care ultrasound for its Emergency Department. In a press release, a representative for Three Rivers stated, “With the new ultrasound equipment, we have expanded services to the hospital by having an additional Point-of-Care ultrasound for the Emergency Department along with the existing Point-of-Care for the hospital. This allows our Emergency Department providers to do quick assessments for our patients. We have also acquired new cardiology ultrasound equipment that is top of the line, [from same equipment provider as used by] our partners at the Billings Clinic.”
Cody Regional Health was awarded $466,486 through the grant and plans to apply the funds toward four cutting-edge ultrasound units, two handheld ultrasound devices, probes, and comprehensive training for sonography technicians. “This generous grant from the Helmsley Charitable Trust marks a significant milestone for Cody Regional Health and the entire community,” said Doug McMillan, CEO of Cody Regional Health. “Ultrasound technology plays a crucial role in modern healthcare, enabling our providers to deliver accurate diagnoses and tailored treatments. With these state-of-the-art ultrasound units, we will enhance patient care across various clinics, including the Basin Clinic,
Walk-In Clinic, OBGYN Clinic, Cardiology Clinic, Surgical Services, and Orthopedics. Patients throughout the Big Horn Basin area will benefit from access to advanced ultrasound services, transforming the way we deliver healthcare.”
Walter Panzirer, a Trustee for the Helmsley Charitable Trust, said during the press conference that the grants will help improve access to quality medical treatments for all Wyoming residents, whether they live in Cheyenne or Casper, or a smaller, more rural community.
“Our commitment to providing quality medical treatment extends to every corner of Wyoming,” said Panzirer, “With the latest ultrasound equipment and training, our hospitals and  health centers can continue to deliver exceptional care close to home, ensuring that all residents receive the medical attention they deserve.
“Our hospitals and health centers need to stay current with rapidly advancing technology so they can continue to provide top-notch healthcare close to home. These grants help ensure that facilities across Wyoming have the latest and greatest ultrasound equipment and training.”
The Helmsley Charitable Trust’s Rural Healthcare Program, through which these funds have been allocated, supports innovative projects that leverage technology to connect rural patients with emergency medical services. It seeks to aid in the accessibility of cutting-edge therapies in remote areas and the provision of comprehensive training for rural healthcare professionals. To date, the program has allocated over $650 million to initiatives that enhance rural healthcare in the states of Iowa, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wyoming. To date, Wyoming has received $52.8 million in grants through the program.
Founded in 2008, the Helmsley Charitable Trust has committed over $4 billion to a variety of health and charitable place-based initiatives worldwide.