Steelworkers make great neighbours – and United Steelworkers Local 2724 are evidence of that. Thinking of their friends and neighbours in the Algoma District, Local 2724 approached Sault Area Hospital Foundation this summer with a goal of helping as many people as possible get outstanding care, close to home. With a gift of $27,001, Local 2724 will purchase a new microtome for the Laboratory at Sault Area Hospital (SAH).
The Lab at SAH processes over 2 million samples each and every year, and plays a key role in almost every patient’s care. This behind-the-scenes area analyzes blood, fluid and tissue samples to provide key information to healthcare professionals. Care providers depend on quick and accurate data from the Lab to help them make informed decisions, track the progress of treatment, and determine next steps.
The microtome purchased by Local 2724 will be used to cut tissue samples into extremely thin slices (thinner than a human hair!) for further testing. Analyzing tissue samples can help determine the cause of a patient’s symptoms or diagnose a number of health conditions. The new microtome replaces an older model, purchased in 2011, that has reached the end of its life (10 years). The microtome was identified as a high-priority need for SAH this year, along with 5 other items for the Lab – totaling almost $500,000.
“The microtome is an essential instrument in the laboratory – a piece we depend on for surgical tissue analysis,” said Manda Rivers, Manager of the SAH Laboratory. “With the current microtome nearing the end of its life, it’s important we replace this piece now to ensure we can continue to provide outstanding care in our Laboratory. While they may never know it, this instrument touches thousands of patients lives every year –as most patients who have had surgery will require this instrument for their tissue analysis.”
The excitement for this gift couldn't be contained! USW Local 2724 presents SAHF with a cheque for $27,001 to purchase a Microtome for the Laboratory. (Pictured Left to Right: Melissa McMaster of USW Local 2724, Melissa’s daughter, Teresa Martone of Sault Area Hospital Foundation, and Rebecca McCracken of USW Local 2724)
Local 2724 have been supporters of the outstanding care delivered at SAH for over 15 years, donating over $150,000. This gift is Local 2724’s third donation in as many years. “It’s important to our members that we give back to help our community,” said Rebecca McCracken, President of United Steelworkers Local 2724. “With our gifts to Sault Area Hospital over the years, we’ve seen how our local dollars have had an impact on local care for our friends, families and ourselves. We’re proud to support Sault Area Hospital’s Lab with this gift that will touch the lives of so many in Sault Ste. Marie and the Algoma District.”
“We are incredibly grateful for the ongoing support of United Steelworkers Local 2724,” said Teresa Martone, Executive Director of Sault Area Hospital Foundation. “These leaders in our community have once again stepped up to help our hospital in a significant way, purchasing a key piece of equipment for our Lab. Their commitment to helping their neighbours isn’t just a motto – it’s truly something they live by. We are all so lucky to have these incredible community partners in our corner, giving back to help ensure every one of us has access to outstanding care close to home.”
On behalf of the Sault Area Hospital Foundation’s Board of Directors, Staff, and the patients this donation will impact, thank you to all the members of USW Local 2724; your gift will ensure the care provided at Sault Area Hospital continues to be outstanding.
