News | Press Releases

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April 27, 2018

Applications Open for ASRT Foundation and Canon Medical Systems’ Safety FiRsT Grant Program

Award Provides Funding for Technologist Safety

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. April 27, 2018 – The ASRT Foundation and Canon Medical Systems USA, Inc. are now accepting applications for the 2018 Safety FiRsT® grant program, an initiative that provides funds for workplace safety measures for radiologic technologists.

The Safety FiRsT program awards two ASRT members a grant of up to $7,000 each for the implementation of a radiologic technology safety program aimed at improving technologist safety. The winning facilities will then implement the program and share best practices.

“The Safety FiRsT program grants allow facilities to keep their technologists on the front lines of patient care safety, while also meeting their business goals,” said Georgia Hitzke, R.T. (R)(M), chairman of the board, ASRT Foundation. “These grants allow providers to purchase new equipment or develop new training programs to improve clinician safety and allows the facilities to focus on providing high quality care to the communities they serve.”

In the past, winners have used the funds to promote radiologic technology safety through the purchase of:

• A lifting device for use in a hospital setting.
• Walkers and wheelchairs made of non-magnetic materials for safety in an MR suite.
• Lead-free aprons that are lightweight yet provide more protection than standard lead-based equivalents.

“Beyond lowering radiation dose, safety extends across virtually every imaging modality and is a concept that needs continuous improvement and leadership,” said Satrajit Misra, vice president, Marketing and Strategic Development, Canon Medical Systems USA, Inc. “This grant program was developed to enable health care providers to establish unique strategies aimed at improving safety specifically for technologists, so they can better treat their patients.”

Now in its fourth year, the Safety FiRsT program is helping health care facilities to create safer work environments. Eligible facilities are encouraged to apply by completing an application here. The deadline to apply is June 29, 2018.

The ASRT Foundation and Canon Medical Systems’ Safety FiRsT awards are funded by a grant from Canon Medical Systems.

About the ASRT Foundation

The ASRT Foundation is the philanthropic arm of the American Society of Radiologic Technologists, the world’s largest radiologic science association. The ASRT Foundation supports and empowers medical imaging and radiation therapy professionals and students to pursue opportunities that improve patient care.

About Canon Medical Systems USA, Inc.

Canon Medical Systems USA, Inc., headquartered in Tustin, Calif., markets, sells, distributes and services radiology and cardiovascular systems, including CT, MR, ultrasound, X-ray and interventional X-ray equipment. For more information, visit Canon Medical Systems’ website at https://us.medical.canon.

About Canon Medical Systems Corporation

Canon Medical Systems Corporation develops and manufactures diagnostic imaging systems including CT, MRI, ultrasound, X-ray systems and clinical laboratory systems and provides them to around 140 countries and regions around the world, offering technology that provides faster diagnosis and early treatment. Under the slogan “Made for Life” (Made for Partnerships, Made for Patients, Made for You.), Canon Medical Systems is making positive contributions toward hospital management, and provides a range of patient-friendly healthcare systems and services, continuing its long tradition of contributing to healthcare.

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