The ASRT Foundation and Toshiba Medical have teamed up again to help improve technologist safety in radiology with the third annual Safety FiRsT grant program.

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 or creative idea aimed at improving technologist safety. The winning facilities will then implement the program and share best practices.

In 2016, the winners used the funds to promote radiologic technology safety through the purchase of a lifting device for a hospital in Hartford, Connecticut, and walkers and wheelchairs made of non-magnetic materials for safety in an MR suite in a hospital in Boca Raton, Florida.

“The Safety FiRsT program grants help facilities to ensure the safety of their technologists and meet their business needs simultaneously,” says Georgia Hitzke, R.T. (R)(M), ASRT Foundation chairman of the board. “Assistance that helps purchase new equipment for technologists, creates new programs or implements other inventive ideas to improve safety allows the facilities to focus on providing the highest quality care.”

“Safety is an encompassing concept that requires constant refinement, guidance, and expertise,” says Satrajit Misra, vice president of marketing and strategic development at Toshiba America Medical Systems Inc. “At Toshiba Medical, our goal is to deliver flexible solutions that meet our imaging partners’ needs, and this program allows hospitals to further their goals of establishing creative programs aimed at improving safety for radiologic technologists.”

Eligible facilities are encouraged to apply by completing an application here. The deadline to apply is June 30, 2017.

The ASRT Foundation and Toshiba Medical Safety FiRsT grants are funded by a grant from Toshiba Medical.