New Technology Strengthens JRMC’s Pinky Swear

JAMESTOWN, N.D. (JRMC) – Jamestown Regional Medical Center (JRMC) is once again transforming to become Pinky Swear Headquarters this October for Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The campaign turns a childhood gesture into a shared promise: women commit to prioritizing their health, while JRMC commits to delivering advanced technology, empathetic care and accessible services close to home.

“JRMC’s commitment to women’s health extends beyond providing exceptional care,” said Trisha Jungels, chief nursing officer. “Through Pinky Swear Headquarters, we are reminding women throughout our region that they deserve access to preventive care, trusted information and a healthcare team that will advocate alongside them.”

This year, that commitment includes technology to support patients during and after cancer treatment. JRMC added the SOZO Digital Health Platform to help its rehabilitation team monitor patients at risk for lymphedema, swelling caused by buildup of lymph fluid. Over half of cancer patients are at risk of developing limb lymphedema, while the risk is closer to 80% with breast cancer patients.

The SOZO system uses a low-level electrical current to measure changes in fluid levels. By comparing measurements over time, the care team can identify changes before visible swelling develops and determine when early intervention may be needed.

“We are thrilled to offer SOZO assessments locally, eliminating the need for many patients to travel more than 90 miles for this important screening,” said Tracy Anderson, rehab services manager. “The technology supports earlier detection and intervention for lymphedema while helping us make specialized follow-up care more accessible.”

The measurement itself takes about 30 seconds. Patients who previously traveled out of town for these recurring assessments can now receive them at JRMC.

“Cancer survivors already face significant challenges throughout their journey,” said Anderson. “Access to specialized follow-up care should not be one of them.”

The addition builds on JRMC’s history of investing in technology for women’s health. JRMC was the first facility in Jamestown to offer contrast-enhanced digital mammography and the first in North Dakota to offer 3D mammography for breast cancer screening.

For JRMC Radiology Manager Conrad Mitzel, the mission of Pinky Swear Headquarters is personal. That connection motivates him and his team to remove all barriers to care that may stop women from receiving the care they need.

“Breast cancer was found in close relatives of mine through routine screening mammograms — no symptoms, no warning. Just a screening that found it early,” said Mitzel. “If something is keeping you from scheduling your mammogram, talk with us. You deserve this care, and our team is here to help.”

For some women, those barriers include cost. JRMC’s No Excuses program helps uninsured and underinsured women access mammograms, Pap tests and advanced breast screening services. The program has no income restrictions and can help bridge the gap between insurance coverage and a patient’s financial responsibility.

To learn more about Pinky Swear Headquarters or to schedule your mammogram, visit jrmcnd.com/pinkyswear or call (701) 952-4878.