SAFFORD — U.S. Sen. Mark Kelly, D-Ariz., announced recently that Mt. Graham Regional Medical Center will receive $500,000 for equipment to detect cancer.
The funds will be used to purchase PET/CT scanning equipment, making MGRMC the only medical facility in Southeastern Arizona able to do those scans.
PET, or positron emission tomography, uses radiotracers to measure changes in metabolic processes and determine how organs are functioning. CT, or computed tomography, uses X-rays from multiple angles to create a cross-section of the body’s interior to determine injury or illneness.
“By expanding access to treatment and upgrading health care facilities in rural communities, preparing Arizonans for good-paying jobs through workforce training programs, and supporting emergency response services, these projects will improve quality of life in communities across our state. Senator Sinema and I will keep working together to secure resources for the people of Arizona,“ Kelly said in a prepared statement.
The money is part of $25 million secured by Kelly and Sinema for Arizona. In addition to the funds for MGRMC, $2.5 million will be used to replace and expand the Canyonlands Health Center in Duncan, and $1 million is going to Local First Arizona for support programs for small businesses.
