OCH of Gravette receives $7,500 grant for pediatric radiology program

GRAVETTE -- The Association for Medical Imaging Management announced last month that Ozarks Community Hospital of Gravette is one of six recipients of the AHRA and Toshiba Putting Patients First grant.

OCH is using the $7,500 grant to fund KidSTRONG, a special pediatric program designed to improve the safety, understanding and comfort of pediatric radiology procedures conducted at the hospital.

"The KidSTRONG program at OCH will help pediatric patients see imaging services as protecting them and helping them be active," says Ronda Kruetzer, radiology manager at the hospital. "It will also provide needed improvement to the existing hospital radiology department and increase community resources, thus enabling local families to access safe, quality and worry-free care right in their hometown," said Kruetzer.

The hospital has also committed to purchasing a comprehensive package of new state-of-the art radiology equipment to furnish all radiology patient rooms and renovate the radiology waiting area as a compliment to the KidSTRONG program. Renovations started in February.

Six grants of up to $7,500 were available to be awarded to hospitals and imaging centers through the AHRA and Toshiba Putting Patients First grant. Recipients were judged on their program plan and ability to share best practices for improving patient care and safety in CT, MR, ultrasound, X-ray and vascular imaging.

OCH of Gravette is licensed for 25 beds and serves patients throughout Northwest Arkansas and the surrounding counties. Services include an inpatient floor, 24-hour emergency room, swing-bed program, sleep lab, pain management clinic, physical therapy and outpatient services including lab and radiology. OCH of Gravette accepts Medicaid, Medicare, Tricare and other insurances. For more informati0on visit www.OCHonline.com.

AHRA, The Association for Medical Imaging Management, is the pre-eminent organization for leaders in medical imaging. Founded in 1973, AHRA's more than 5,000 members represent management at all levels for freestanding imaging centers, hospital imaging departments and group practices. AHRA offers a complete slate of professional development programs, including conferences, networking opportunities, award winning publications and the certified radiology administrator credential. More information is available at www.ahraonline.org.