Eastern Radiologists, Inc. has donated a Lorad MIV mammography unit to Johnston Community College. The equipment, valued at $15,000, will be used to help radiology technologists and students train to administer mammograms.

ERI is excited to donate the equipment to JCC, said Tanya Dixon, manager of the Washington, N.C. office.

"With breast cancer awareness on the forefront of women's health issues, well-trained mammography technologists are a vital part of our facility," Dixon said. "Johnston Community College has been able to provide our staff technologists top-notch mammography training to ready them for the ARRT Mammography Registry Exam. We hope this donation will enhance that exam preparation."

Ann Jackson, director of radiography programs at JCC, thanked ERI for the equipment gift.

"We are very fortunate for our school to receive this generous donation from ERI," Jackson said. "The initial Mammography Seminar has been highly requested by previous students and employers in the surrounding areas. Coordinator Deborah Aycock and instructor April Lafave have worked very hard to provide this continuing education seminar to prospective mammographers."

JCC recently graduated 26 certified radiographers and received a 100-percent passing rate on licensure exams in 2008.

Founded in 1954, ERI currently employs more than 50 radiologists. ERI provides services to ten hospitals and six outpatient facilities in eastern North Carolina.

JCC's next mammography seminar for ARRT registered radiographers will be held on two consecutive Saturdays and Sundays Sept. 26-27 and Oct. 3-4 in the Health Sciences Building on the main campus. For more information, please call coordinator Deborah Aycock at 919-209-2009.