In the past two years, the Dell Rapids Community Hospital Foundation has pledged approximately $23,600 to help the local hospital purchase state-of-the-art equipment, including a coagulation analyzer and a bladder scanner.

Since the foundation was established in 1997, approximately $196,600 in medical technology has been purchased for Avera Dells Area Hospital.

Foundation funds went toward the purchase of a Stago coagulation analyzer. This piece of lab equipment is used to analyze blood samples of patients with blood disorders or patients who are on blood-thinning medication in order to measure the factors required to stop bleeding and identify possible abnormalities that could lead to excessive bleeding or blood clots.

Funds have also been pledged toward the purchase of a bladder scanner, which is planned for this summer. This equipment uses noninvasive ultrasound technology to measure bladder volume, aiding in the diagnosis of common urological conditions, or to easily assess the need for catheterization.

“The mission of the foundation is to help purchase equipment to provide our local hospital with the latest technology in order to benefit patients,” foundation president Elouise Skatvold said.

Funds are raised in various ways, including memorial gifts, the annual “Roses Just Because” fundraiser and holiday campaign in which donors can honor loved ones on the Angel Tree.

“We are grateful to the foundation and the donors who make these gifts possible,” hospital administrator Lindsay Leischner said. “The foundation places top priority on helping us stay technologically up to date. Thanks to these gifts, our patients benefit greatly, as do our physicians and staff.”