MOSES LAKE - The Samaritan Healthcare Foundation is closer to its goal of raising $500,000 for an upgraded computed tomography (CT) scanner, thanks to the Columbia Basin Foundation.

Foundation officials announced they will donate $10,000 to the fundraising drive for the new machine, said Dave Campbell of the Samaritan Healthcare Foundation, this week. The Samaritan foundation is trying to raise $500,000 of their share of the money, by mid-2013. The goal is to purchase and install the scanner late next year, Campbell said.

"This new scanner will allow us to perform additional imaging studies that our current CT scanner cannot do, and greatly reduce radiation doses per scan," said Bim Lindsey, Samaritan's director of diagnostic imaging. In fact, it would be an upgrade from any scanner available in Grant County, Lindsey said.

"Final results will be available quicker for clinical use and evaluation," he said. That will help trauma patients and people in emergency situations, he said.

The cost is $780,404, including shipping, training and taxes. The hospital foundation has issued a challenge to hospital district patrons, and will match the first $75,000, dollar for dollar, donated by district patrons.

People who want to donate or want more information can contact Campbell at the foundation office, 509-793-9647.