In response to overwhelming demand, the ASRT Board of Directors has approved an additional $100,000 and the ASRT Foundation Board of Trustees approved another $50,000 to support the ASRT Foundation’s COVID-19 Emergency Relief Fund. In addition, individual donors have contributed more than $8,000 bringing the fund’s total relief aid to more than $250,000.

Initially funded at $100,000 on April 14, 2020, the program offers assistance to eligible medical imaging and radiation therapy professionals who have contracted COVID-19 or experienced layoffs, furloughs or decreased work hours due to the ongoing health care crisis. Eligible applicants receive a one-time grant of $500 to assist with personal expenses while facing hardships caused by the pandemic.

The Foundation received more than 2,000 applications within days of announcing the program, exhausting the initial financial outlay and personal donations. Understanding the magnitude of the situation, the ASRT Board and Foundation Board acted quickly to replenish funds so more technologists affected by COVID-19 can receive much-needed financial assistance.

According to Dawn Hartney, R.T.(R), of Elgin, Illinois, the fund is providing her with important assistance during an incredibly challenging time. “Thank you for extending the Covid-19 grant of $500 to my husband and me. It couldn't have come at a better time! I'm on 100 percent furlough from the company where I've worked for the past 15 years and am still waiting for unemployment assistance. I plan on using the grant to pay our utilities this coming month. I appreciate all the services the ASRT provides and am humbled by the work being done for your members. We will all get through this stronger than ever!”