Congressman Harold “Hal” Rogers announced recently that the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has released a $94,352 grant to Southeast Kentucky Community and Technical College (SKCTC) to purchase two digital x-ray machines.

Rogers secured this funding as a part of the FY08 Omnibus Appropriations Act, signed into law on December 27, 2007.

“Radiographers provide a vital service to the families, seniors and veterans in our region, and I believe a quality education and first-hand experience are vital elements of their training. Ensuring our local colleges are stocked with the most up-to-date equipment and tools will significantly increase the quality of training afforded to our students – and in turn, the quality of medical care received by their patients,” stated Rogers.

“The Southeast Kentucky Community and Technical College has made tremendous strides for the people of our region through its top-notch education and technical training programs, and the radiography program is one of the most popular and successful programs offered. I am pleased to lend federal support to SKCTC’s acquisition of new digital x-ray machines because that means residents of eastern Kentucky won’t have to travel far to get the best possible medical treatment.”

Founded in 1960, Southeast Kentucky Community and Technical College currently has five campuses that are located in Cumberland, Middlesboro, Pineville, Whitesburg, and Harlan.

The new digital x-ray machines will be located on the Pineville and Whitesburg campuses and will give the 65 SKCTC students in the radiography program state-of-the-art image management experience. Instead of viewing the images on film, students will be able to review and analyze images on a computer with the digital x-ray machines.