Congratulations to our 2025 Grant Program Recipients:
Sheila Teran
CT Supervisor
CHOC Children’s Hospital
Program Type: Radiation Safety
The Brave Bear Brigade is an innovative initiative designed to enhance pediatric patient care and safety in medical imaging by addressing the emotional and psychological needs of children who require repeated imaging procedures. Through the simple yet powerful act of providing each child with a superhero-themed stuffed bear, the program seeks to reduce fear, improve cooperation during imaging, and foster a more compassionate and supportive care environment.
Latasha Hill
Radiology Director
ATRIUM HEALTH NAVICENT THE MEDICAL CENTER
Program Type: Pediatric Imaging
Atrium Health Navicent Beverly Knight Olson Children's Hospital proposes implementing the “Pediatric Imaging Comfort & Education Program” using the Philips KittenScanner. This initiative will serve as a structured educational and anxiety-reduction program designed to familiarize pediatric patients and their families with the imaging process. The goal is to create a child-friendly pathway that reduces fear, decreases motion-related repeat scans, and improves overall imaging quality and safety.
Gina Markle
Director, School of Medical Imaging
Geisinger Health System-Geisinger Medical Center
Program Type: Diagnostic Imaging
The initiative focuses on enhancing patient care and safety in medical imaging by integrating hands-on training with a radiologic phantom for radiography students within our School of Medical Imaging. This program will serve as a bridge between theoretical knowledge and practical application, ensuring students develop competency in safe imaging practices before working with real patients.
Beth Allen, CRA
Director of Clinical Operations
Banner Imaging
Program Type: Diagnostic Imaging
Banner Imaging plans to implement authentic, patient-centered imagery and video content across all Banner Imaging ambulatory MRI locations, eliminating psychological harm and anxiety associated with unrealistic stock photography. By replacing generic images with genuine representations of real patients, staff, and MR environments—and providing patients with a short, authentic video before their appointment—we will create a trustworthy, calming experience that directly improves patient safety outcomes, reduces scan anxiety, and enhances image quality.
Cliff DeGraff
Assistant Director of Radiology
The University of Kansas Health System
Program Type: Diagnostic Imaging
The University of Kansas Health System Radiology Department is seeking support from the AHRA Putting Patients First grant to elevate the safety, quality, and consistency of MRI operations across our rapidly expanding network. To meet this need, we propose funding advanced training for our MRI Safety Officers to complete MR Safety Expert Training and to achieve MRQE certification.