Nassau University Medical Center has received a $1 million anonymous donation to expand women’s health services, funding advanced 3D mammography and bone density technology that will improve early detection and preventive care for patients across Long Island.
The gift, secured by NuHealth Board Chairman Stuart Rabinowitz, will allow the hospital to acquire new 3D mammography systems with biopsy capability and an updated bone density scanner. Both are expected to transform care for two of the most significant health issues affecting women — breast cancer and osteoporosis.
“This extraordinary act of generosity will help us detect breast cancer and osteoporosis earlier, treat them more effectively, and save countless lives,” said Dr. Richard Becker, interim chief executive officer at NUMC. “This is an investment in every woman who entrusts her care to NUMC.”
Rabinowitz said the new equipment will modernize critical services at the East Meadow hospital.
“We are deeply committed to ensuring accessible care for every member of our community,” he said. “This investment will help us deliver on that promise for generations to come.”
The donation comes as NUMC’s existing mammography equipment, first installed in 2010, reaches the end of its serviceable life. The hospital serves as a key healthcare provider for underserved communities on Long Island, offering equitable, high-quality care to women who may otherwise face barriers to preventive screenings.
According to global data, more than 2.3 million women are diagnosed with breast cancer each year, and nearly 700,000 die from the disease. On Long Island, approximately one in eight women will face a breast cancer diagnosis in their lifetime — with higher rates reported among low-income populations.
Early detection is critical. The new Hologic 3D mammography systems will generate high-resolution images that improve accuracy, reduce unnecessary biopsies, and lower callback rates by nearly 50 percent. The systems also feature self-controlled compression for improved comfort and allow both screening and biopsy on the same platform.
NUMC’s Mobile Mammography Unit, which already brings 3D technology into the community, will continue to provide outreach and screening services, while the new in-hospital systems will expand capacity and streamline diagnostic care.
The donation will also fund a Hologic Horizon DXA system, replacing an outdated bone density scanner. The new device uses low-dose X-rays to measure bone mineral density, assess fracture risk, and evaluate body composition with greater precision. Early detection of bone loss, particularly in postmenopausal women, can play a major role in preventing osteoporosis and related health complications.
Together, the new systems will provide a full spectrum of advanced imaging for women, combining faster, more accurate, and more comfortable screening experiences with NUMC’s ongoing mission of health equity.
Nassau University Medical Center, operated by the Nassau Health Care Corporation, is a public teaching hospital in East Meadow. As a leading safety-net institution, it provides compassionate, high-quality care to all, regardless of ability to pay, and serves as a regional leader in emergency medicine, women’s health, and preventive care.
For more, visit NUMC.edu.
