The sixth annual GX94/FOX FM Airwaves for Health Radiothon broke its record again last week, raising close to $100,000 toward the cost of a new ultrasound machine for the health region.

The April 23 and 24 radiothon, held on behalf of The Health Foundation of East Central Saskatchewan, collects pledges from citizens and businesses each year to support new purchases for the Sunrise Health Region.

This year’s total of $97,160 is “a huge step towards” buying an additional ultrasound machine for Yorkton Regional Health Centre, said Health Foundation Executive Director Ross Fisher at an announcement on Monday. The price tag on the machine is expected to be around $250,000.

“This creates a huge bed of awareness out there for us and a huge bed of knowledge that other businesses are making contributions, so when we go out to do the remaining fundraising that we need for this machine, we know that it will help with people being receptive.”

Various local doctors and nurses were featured on the radiothon to explain the need for another ultrasound machine in the health region. A growing population and expanding services in the area have increased the number of ultrasound requests in Yorkton.

The addition of a new ultrasound machine should allow an extra 3,000 exams to be performed in the region each year, said Fisher.

GX94 and FOX FM are pleased to continue hosting the radiothon, said Angie Norton, general manager of the stations.

“Each year, everybody needs access to healthcare, and if we can help make our healthcare systems better in the Sunrise Health Region, then we’re totally about that.”