The Health Foundation will once again be hitting the airwaves, raising money and launching a new campaign for improved health services in the area. The sixth annual Airwaves for Health Radiothon will take place on April 23 and 24 on GX94 and FOX FM Radio, hosted in the Parkland Mall.
This year's event will launch a new campaign for a new ultrasound machine for the regional health centre. The machine is estimated to cost $250,000. Ross Fisher, executive director of The Health Foundation, explains that the new machine is needed because ultrasound has become one of the most commonly used diagnostic tools, because it is the least invasive test and you get a clear picture of what is happening. As a result, there are wait times for tests are increasing and the current machine is not enough.
"You can use ultrasound for just about everything... it gives you an immediate result, it gives you very clear imaging, and you can do your follow up work right away if you need to," Fisher says.
Fisher says one of the reasons for increased demand is due to an increased number of special services.
He notes that these programs, such as the orthopedic surgeon or the heart and stroke rehab clinic, also require ultrasound tests in order to work.
"If we want to support those specialists, if we want to grow those services, if we want to cut our wait times, we need another ultrasound machine," Fisher says.
He also says the Radiothon is an important event for the Health Foundation, not just because of the money raised, but because it is an opportunity to talk to the public about the work they are doing. He says it's also a great way to launch campaigns, as it gives an opportunity to speak about why the campaigns are necessary and how they will help.
"It does a lot of good in the community, and it helps us get the message out about why we want to be raising funds."
Angie Norton, General Manager of Harvard Broadcasting in Yorkton, says that the annual event is an exciting part of the station's contributions to the communities it serves.
"Our Radiothons have enjoyed tremendous success in the first five years, raising a total of $349,000, we expect this support to increase this year as well," says Norton.
Because the need is clear, Norton says that the station is looking forward to getting the word out and raising money for the cause.
"Our on-air staff are looking forward to working on this year's Radiothon. We clearly need another ultrasound, and why we need it is easy to speak to the public about. We will interviewing doctors, nurses and other health care professionals about why we need the equipment, what tests they will do with it, and what kind of difference it will make to patients, doctors and technicians."
The Radiothon has also expanded with other businesses supporting it in different ways. The Yorkton Co-op is giving 10 cents a liter from gas sold on April 24 to the campaign. McDonalds is giving a dollar from sales of Egg McMuffin, Sausage Egg McMuffin, or Bacon Egg McMuffin, Quarter pounder with cheese, or any size smoothies sold on April 24 as well. Also on the 24th, the Breast Friends will be answering phones, talking about their newest campaign, and contributing money from sales of cook books sold on the day to the Radiothon.
