Flaget Memorial Hospital Receives More Than $400,000 in Grant Funding to Purchase 3D Mammography Machine

BARDSTOWN, Ky. (May 9, 2024) – The Flaget Memorial Hospital Foundation has received $426,370 in grant funding from the Legacy Foundation of Kentuckiana to purchase a new 3D mammography machine equipped with the latest AI technology for Flaget Memorial Hospital.

“With this transformative grant, we’re not just acquiring the latest technology; we’re investing in the health and well-being of our community,” said Jennifer Nolan, president, Flaget Memorial Hospital. “This innovative 3D mammography technology will enhance the quality of preventive screenings we provide to our patients in the fight against breast cancer.”

Flaget Memorial Hospital continues to focus on providing state-of-the-art health care services to the community, ensuring patients have access to advanced diagnostic tools for the early detection and treatment of breast cancer. Access to AI-enhanced 3D mammography can provide lasting, sustainable benefits. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Kentucky experiences the highest rate of cancer deaths in the nation, with 185.7 deaths per 100,000 residents. The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation also found that only 43% of Nelson County women ages 60-74 receive mammography screenings annually.

“With this grant from the Legacy Foundation, this new technology has the potential to transform the lives of patients in Nelson County,” said Delaine Thiel, CFRE, market vice president, philanthropy, Flaget Memorial Hospital Foundation. “3D mammography can help catch breast cancer in its earliest stages, when it’s easiest to treat, enabling us to elevate the standard of care in our community and make significant strides in treatment success.”

3D mammography, also known as digital breast tomosynthesis, offers significant advantages over traditional 2D mammography by providing clearer, more detailed images of breast tissue. This advanced imaging technology enhances the ability of radiologists to detect abnormalities, including small masses and areas of concern, leading to earlier detection and improved patient outcomes.

In addition to its imaging capabilities, 3D mammography offers other benefits, including reduced false positives and improved detection in women with dense breast tissue. This means fewer unnecessary callbacks for additional imaging, minimizing patient anxiety and streamlining the diagnostic process.

The Legacy Foundation of Kentuckiana, also a part of CommonSpirit Health, is focused on making health equity a reality across the country through pioneering programs that ensure greater access to care, create community partnerships and participation, and advocate for those who are vulnerable.

For more information on 3D mammography services, visit https://www.chisaintjosephhealth.org/womens-care/breast-health.

About CHI Saint Joseph Health

CHI Saint Joseph Health, part of CommonSpirit Health, is one of the largest and most comprehensive health systems in the Commonwealth of Kentucky with 100 locations in 20 counties, including hospitals, physician groups, clinics, primary care centers, specialty institutes, home health agencies and an ambulatory Care Center. The hospitals in CHI Saint Joseph Health are Flaget Memorial Hospital, Saint Joseph Berea, Saint Joseph East, Saint Joseph Hospital, Saint Joseph Jessamine, Saint Joseph London, Saint Joseph Mount Sterling, and Women’s Hospital at Saint Joseph East. In total, the health system serves patients in 35 counties statewide. CHI Saint Joseph Health is dedicated to providing a wide array of services toward a goal of building a healthier future for all. CHI Saint Joseph Health embodies a strong mission and faith-based heritage and works through local partnerships to expand access to care in the communities it serves.

About Flaget Memorial Hospital

Flaget Memorial Hospital, part of CHI Saint Joseph Health, is a 52-bed facility located in Bardstown, Kentucky. Established in 1951 by the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth, the facility serves residents of Nelson, Hardin, Marion, Washington, Spencer, Bullitt and LaRue counties. The facility is also home to Nelson County’s first full-service cancer center and is nationally recognized for orthopedic and surgical care, as well as inpatient satisfaction.

About Flaget Memorial Hospital Foundation

Flaget Memorial Hospital Foundation supports CHI Saint Joseph Health’s drive for excellence by inspiring donors to make a tangible difference through their philanthropic investment in outstanding patient care facilities and services, the education of caregivers, advanced clinical research and improved access to quality medical care.

About Legacy Foundation of Kentuckiana

The Legacy Foundation of Kentuckiana (LFK) was formed in 2019 after KentuckyOne Health, which was part of Catholic Health Initiatives, divested its healthcare facilities to the University of Louisville. It originated as the former Jewish Hospital Foundation, and then evolved into the former Jewish Hospital and St. Mary’s Foundation (JHSMF). As part of the divestiture, the assets of JHSMF remained with CHI, a part of CommonSpirit Health, for use by a newly created nonprofit community grant making organization known as the Legacy Foundation of Kentuckiana. LFK makes charitable grants in six area counties: Jefferson, Shelby, Bullitt, Nelson, and Hardin in Kentucky, and Clark in Indiana. LFK made its first charitable grants in April 2022.

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