Women’s Diagnostic Center begins construction

Construction has begun on a new Ascension Sacred Heart Gulf Women’s Diagnostic Center facility, with the six-week project expected to be completed by the beginning of March. 

The future center covers about 1,096 square feet at the site of the current Women’s Center, inside the Medical Office Building adjacent to the hospital at 3871 U.S. 98 #100B in Port St. Joe on the campus of Ascension Sacred Heart Gulf.

The new design will allow the Women’s Center to have its own entrance and waiting area, and will seclude the section from the rehabilitation facility to offer more privacy. 

“In addition, the overall design will be a spa-like atmosphere designed with a woman’s comfort and convenience in mind,” said Heather Kretzer, a communication specialist with Ascension Sacred Heart.

The contractor working on the project is Mickelson Construction Services, Inc. The overall budget goal for the Women’s Diagnostic Center was $500,000 and includes some equipment including the new 3D Mammogram machine added in March 2023, and updates to existing equipment and software. The construction portion of the project is roughly $220,000. 

Funding for the new center came largely from the Murphy Family Foundation, who were joined by other influential donors including;The Junior Service League of Port S Joe, The Tapper Foundation, The Women Helping Women Brunch – Trish Warriner, and the Alfred I. duPont Foundation. 

“This project would not be possible without the transformational gift of The Murphy Family Foundation,” said Kelly Beach, administrator and chief nursing officer for Sacred Heart Gulf. “We extend our deepest gratitude to Brendan and Cindy Murphy for their investment to improve health outcomes for women in our area.” 

“Current data shows that only half of the women in our area had a mammogram in the past year and access can be a barrier for screening,” said Brendan and Cindy Murphy. “With this donation, we are ensuring women in our community have life-saving mammograms close to home.” 

The location is expected to make it easier for residents of Gulf and Franklin counties to get their annual mammogram. Approximately 1 in 8 women in the United States will be diagnosed with breast cancer and three out of four women diagnosed have no family history. Ascension recommends that all women 40 and older get a yearly screening. 

The center added 3D mammography capabilities in March 2023, improving the chances of detecting breast cancer earlier when most treatable. It also features bone density imaging and ultrasound.

If needed, patient navigators can help with scheduling additional testing including on-campus biopsy with Dr. Kunal Jani, board-certified interventional radiologist and chief medical officer for Ascension Sacred Heart Gulf. If a patient requires additional care, navigators can refer women to the area’s only fellowship-trained breast surgeon Dr. Alison Moody. They can also help connect women to cancer care, including Ascension Sacred Heart Medical Oncology Group – Bay. 

“As a non-profit hospital, we provide mammograms for women who are uninsured and underinsured to help remove the cost barrier in partnership with other local non-profit organizations,” said Beach. “The Cricket Fund assists women who live in Gulf County, Franklin County, and Mexico Beach.”

For more information on how to obtain a free mammogram or breast ultrasound, call Sacred Heart Gulf Women’s Diagnostic Center at 850-229-5680. Franklin Needs provides free mammograms, ultrasounds, and biopsies for uninsured and under-insured residents of Franklin County and surrounding areas. You can get more information about Franklin Needs by emailing info@franklinneeds.com or visiting their website at franklinneeds.com. 

For more information about the Women’s Diagnostic Centers, visit ascension.org/sacredheartmammogram. For more information about cancer care, visit ascension.org/sacredheartcancer. 

A grand opening for the new center is planned for Friday, March 7 from 11 a.m. to noon ET.