U-Co Health will buy an ultrasound machine
By Terry Murry on Monday, January 8th, 2024 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories
UMATILLA COUNTY – Umatilla County Public Health will be able to offer more services at its reproductive health clinics in Pendleton and Hermiston. The Board of Commissioners has approved the purchase of an ultrasound machine for $13,644.
Board Chairman John Shafer said the commissioners had plenty of questions before approving the purchase.
“One of the questions that Commissioner (Dan) Dorran asked was, ‘Is this going to make abortions possible,’” Shafer said. “Our Deputy Director Alisha Lundgren was there, and she said, ‘No. We do not perform abortions at the health clinics.’”
While ultrasound’s most widely known use is to determine the growth of a fetus, it can also help determine causes of infertility, and assess the condition of the female’s reproductive organs. The Oregon Health Authority has awarded U-Co Health a $31,000 grant to pay for the machine and related personnel and training expenses. No general funds from the county will be used.
