Harbor Regional Health celebrates new $3.5M MRI unit

Harbor Regional Health in Aberdeen celebrated the grand unveiling of its Canon Vantage Fortian 1.5T MRI system during a well-attended ribbon-cutting ceremony on Wednesday.

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 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.

The ceremony, hosted in partnership with Greater Grays Harbor, Inc., welcomed a large turnout of community members, local dignitaries and officials, including County Commissioner Vickie Raines and Aberdeen Mayor Doug Orr, as well as three of the Public Hospital District Commissioners — Lynn Csernotta, John Shaw and Chris Thomas.

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.

“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.

Eric Timmons, MRI Tech stands in the control room for the new MRI. Timmons was instrumental in this project, from concept, to launch.

Eric Timmons, MRI Tech stands in the control room for the new MRI. Timmons was instrumental in this project, from concept, to launch.

Hospital Commissioner and Greater Grays Harbor Ambassador Lynn Csernotta cuts the ribbon, signifying the public opening of Harbor Regional Health’s new Canon Fortain 1.5T MRI.

Hospital Commissioner and Greater Grays Harbor Ambassador Lynn Csernotta cuts the ribbon, signifying the public opening of Harbor Regional Health’s new Canon Fortain 1.5T MRI.