Funding for advanced 3D Mammography™ technology in Ulster County provided by HealthAlliance Foundation
KINGSTON, NY – December 16, 2025 – HealthAlliance Hospital, a member of the Westchester Medical Center Health Network (WMCHealth), the pre-eminent provider of integrated health care in New York’s Hudson Valley region, today celebrated a significant
advancement in women’s healthcare in Ulster County and the Greater Hudson Valley with the addition of advanced Hologic 3D Mammography™ technology at its Kingston campus.
The addition of 3D Mammography exams strengthens HealthAlliance Hospital’s position as a regional leader for advanced comprehensive health services, providing world-class patient-centered care with advanced diagnostic tools and medical excellence. Utilizing advanced breast tomosynthesis technology, 3D Mammography exams are clinically proven to significantly increase the detection of breast cancers while decreasing the number of women asked to return for additional testing. This can mean earlier and more accurate diagnoses, which have the potential to expand the treatment options available to patients.
Acquiring the state-of-the-art system was made possible thanks to a gift from the HealthAlliance Foundation, utilizing funds raised at this past June’s Michael Bradley Finnegan Golf Classic.
“Breast cancer detection is a crucial healthcare service, and the 3D Mammography enhances our ability to detect early signs of cancer, improving the regional standard for women’s healthcare and breast cancer diagnosis in Ulster County,” said Elissa Chessari, Executive Director and Chief Operating Officer of HealthAlliance Hospital. “Our vision at HealthAlliance Hospital remains focused on providing world-class and patient-centered care close to home. This investment is going to reduce barriers to care and improve patient outcomes. I especially want to thank the HealthAlliance Foundation and the Finnegan family for their commitment to investing in the health of our community, and our community partners, and elected officials for celebrating this milestone at HealthAlliance Hospital.”
“The introduction of 3D Mammography technology at HealthAlliance Hospital improves a crucial medical service for our community. It gives our residents access to world-class care and advanced technologies right here in Ulster County,” said Congressman Pat Ryan. “This is an important investment in women’s health and the well-being of patients and families in our region.”
“Women’s health is one of the most underinvested areas of healthcare, and breast cancer remains the most commonly diagnosed cancer in women. This state-of-the-art mammography technology is a vital addition to HealthAlliance Hospital’s Kingston campus, expanding access to early detection and helping save lives in the Hudson Valley,” said State Senator Michelle Hinchey.
“The addition of 3D Mammography technology marks an important milestone in women’s healthcare for our Ulster County residents. This elevated imaging and diagnostic procedure can help residents better identify the signs of breast cancer and improve early detection,” said Assemblywoman Sarahana Shrestha. “We welcome this investment by HealthAlliance Hospital to ensure world-class, innovative healthcare right at home.”
“We are grateful to WMCHealth for continuing to fulfill its commitment to strengthening Kingston’s healthcare infrastructure,” said City of Kingston Mayor Steve Noble. “Investments in women’s healthcare benefit the entire community, and 3D Mammography will equip patients and their families with the resources they need to make important and informed medical decisions.”
“Early detection of breast cancer saves lives, and I am thrilled that HealthAlliance has invested in 3D Mammography, which allows for earlier and more precise detection,” said Ulster County Executive Jen Metzger. “I never miss my regular screening, and encourage women who do not get routine mammograms to consult with your physician about this life-saving preventive step.”
“Right now, fewer than half of women aged 50 to 74 in Ulster County receive regular breast cancer screenings. Nationally, the goal is to reach 80%, but here in Ulster County, our goal is 100%,” said Ulster County Public Health Director Eve Walter. “Expanding access to advanced 3D Mammography at HealthAlliance Hospital is a critical step toward that goal, ensuring more women are screened, cancers are detected earlier, and lives are saved.”
“Every New York resident should have access to state-of-the-art healthcare innovations, and this new 3D Mammography technology brings that to Ulster County,” said Pari Forood, Executive Director, Miles of Hope Breast Cancer Foundation. “We are grateful to WMCHealth for this investment and for supporting advanced, compassionate women’s healthcare.”
About 3D Mammography™
Nearly 50% of women over 40 have dense breast tissue, which can hide early signs of cancer in a traditional mammogram. Unlike conventional 2D mammography, where overlapping tissue can obscure small breast cancers and lead to unnecessary callbacks, the 3D Mammography exam utilizes a three-dimensional imaging method that can greatly reduce the tissue overlap effect. The 3D Mammography exam provides a better option for women of all breast densities compared to 2D alone. Moreover, the 3D Mammography exam is the only mammogram proven to be superior in women with dense breasts.
Utilizing advanced breast tomosynthesis technology, 3D Mammography exams are clinically proven to significantly increase the detection of breast cancers while decreasing the number of women asked to return for additional testing. This can mean an earlier diagnosis that provides patients with vital information needed for potential treatment options.
“The arrival of the 3D Mammography technology at HealthAlliance Hospital elevates our radiology department and reinforces our dedication to providing superior care to patients and their families in Ulster County. These exams will provide our patients a more complete and accurate picture of their health, better equipping us to identify abnormalities sooner and ensure that our patients are in the best possible position to pursue treatment,” said Zvi Lefkovitz, MD, Director of Radiology at Westchester Medical Center.
Utilizing advanced breast tomosynthesis technology, 3D Mammography exams are clinically proven to significantly increase the detection of breast cancers while decreasing the number of women asked to return for additional testing. This can mean earlier and more accurate diagnoses that provide patients with critical information when looking for treatment options.
Continued Investment in Ulster County
The 3D Mammography technology is a continuation of the WMCHealth Network’s investments in the health of Ulster County communities, and part of a broader expansion of its comprehensive women’s health services.
In addition to offering new state-of-the-art imaging, a full-time breast imaging radiologist, Barbara S. Blanco, MD, will join the HealthAlliance Hospital team in the first quarter of 2026. Dr. Blanco is a fellowship-trained and board-certified radiologist with over two decades of experience in diagnostic radiology and women’s healthcare.
Providers at HealthAlliance Hospital continue to uphold the highest standards of medical excellence. This includes Zoe Weinstein, MD, a Castle Connolly Top Doctor and leading Breast and Trauma Surgeon, who brings decades of experience and compassion to patients in Ulster County. In 2025, Dr. Weinstein was awarded the Exceptional Women in Medicine award by Castle Connolly. This year marks six consecutive years of Dr. Weinstein receiving this award.
This commitment builds on a series of major advancements that began in 2022, when WMCHealth proudly opened the new HealthAlliance Hospital at 105 Marys Avenue in Kingston. Since then, the hospital has continued to strengthen services and expand access to cutting-edge care. Key features and accomplishments include:
- da Vinci Robotics System: The first of its kind in Ulster County, this state-of-the-art technology enables physicians to perform complex procedures with unparalleled precision, dexterity, and visualization, using minimally invasive techniques that promote faster recovery and improved outcomes.
- Inpatient Behavioral Health Unit: In 2024, WMCHealth expanded a vital community service with a $7 million renovation, restoring 20 behavioral health beds in Kingston, NY.
- Cardiac Catheterization Lab: A state-of-the-art lab that has provided life-saving treatment and advanced services for the entire region has passed major clinical milestones, treating over 2,100 patients since its 2021 opening.
- 2026 Medical Village: In 2026, the WMCHealth Network will start a new chapter at the Medical Village in Kingston. The Village will bring together many different health and community services – medical, educational, and social – into one central, easily accessible hub, providing holistic care and vital services for the entire community.
In offering 3D Mammography technology, HealthAlliance Hospital takes a proactive step towards enhancing the quality of breast cancer screening in Ulster County, fulfilling its promise to the region, providing world-class care right at home.
Patients interested in scheduling a 3D Mammography exam or seeking more information are encouraged to contact us at 845.338.2500 or on our website.
About Hologic 3D Mammography™ Exams
The breast is a three-dimensional object composed of different structures located at different heights within the breast. These structures can overlap and cause confusion when viewed as a flat two-dimensional image. This confusion of overlapping of tissue is a leading reason why small breast cancers may be missed and normal tissue may appear abnormal, leading to unnecessary callbacks. Using breast tomosynthesis technology, the system creates a three dimensional image of the breast structure, which enables radiologists to more clearly see through overlapping tissue to detect cancers, often at an earlier stage.
The system is the first FDA approved breast tomosynthesis system in the U.S. Medicare and Medicare Advantage, Medicaid in some states, and most private health plans cover the full cost of an annual 3D Mammography™ exam.