Harbor Regional Health Celebrates Successful Ribbon Cutting for New Canon Vantage Fortian MRI
Harbor Regional Health (HRH) proudly celebrated the grand unveiling of its Canon Vantage Fortian 1.5T MRI system during a well-attended ribbon-cutting ceremony on January 15, 2025. The event marked a transformative moment in healthcare for Grays Harbor, showcasing the culmination of nearly four years of planning, fundraising, and dedication to improving patient care.
The ceremony, hosted in partnership with Greater Grays Harbor Inc. (GGHI), welcomed a large turnout of community members, local dignitaries, and officials, including County Commissioner Vickie Raines and Aberdeen Mayor Doug Orr. It was also an honor to have three of our Public Hospital District Commissioners, Lynn Csernotta, John Shaw, and Chris Thomas, in attendance. Guests enjoyed light refreshments and a tour of the new MRI suite led by Randy Holeman, Diagnostic Imaging Director, Eric Timmons, MRI Tech, and Ralph Pavon, MRI Tech, who provided insights into the advanced capabilities of the system.
The Canon Vantage Fortian 1.5T MRI system represents a leap forward in diagnostic imaging, offering faster scan times, quieter operation, and exceptional image quality. Features such as AI-powered imaging and motion correction ensure sharper, clearer results while minimizing patient discomfort and reducing the need for re-scans. Its eco-friendly design aligns with HRH’s commitment to sustainability.
“Our previous outpatient MRI served us well for 20 years, but the new Canon MRI is a game changer,” said Dr. Joe Stengel, Medical Director of Radiology. “It’s like moving from a flip phone to a smartphone. This advanced system provides faster scans, higher resolution images, and a more comfortable experience for patients, including those who previously required transfers or hospitalization. Being located at the hospital allows us to better serve our community by saving time, money, and frustration.”
Special thanks were extended to the Murdock Charitable Trust and the HRH Community Hospital Foundation, whose generous support helped raise the $3.5 million necessary to make this project a reality.
Harbor Regional Health is proud to continue its mission of providing high-quality healthcare with dignity and compassion to Grays Harbor residents. The Canon Vantage Fortian 1.5T MRI system is now live and ready to enhance patient care for years to come.
