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Education and health care leaders discussed the importance of radiation in health care on Oct. 30, at Delaware Technical Community College. Governor John Carney proclaimed Nov. 4-10, 2018 as Radiation Protection Week in Delaware. Radiologic Technology students from Delaware Tech’s Wilmington campus participated in the event, which also included leaders from the Authority on Radiation Protection, the Division of Public Health (DPH), and Christiana Care Health System (CCHS). Delaware Tech offers a two-year Radiologic Technology associate degree program at its Wilmington and Georgetown campuses. Students are educated to achieve national credentials in radiologic technology, nuclear medicine technology, and dental assisting. “For over three decades, the Radiologic Technology program has responded to the needs of local health care employers by preparing licensed health care professionals who work closely with radiologists to safely perform X-ray procedures,” said Delaware Tech President Dr. Mark T. Brainard. “The College cannot take all the credit, though. The success of our program has depended on partnerships, and we are thankful for the support of Christiana Care Health System, who donated high-tech equipment for our labs and continues to provide clinical rotations for our students. Christiana Care’s staff also devote their time and expertise to serve on our Radiologic Technology advisory board to help us ensure that our graduates are job ready on day one, and we are thankful for their support.” DPH’s Office of Radiation Control (ORC) collaborates with the Authority on Radiation Protection and many disciplines throughout the practice community to enhance radiation safety, improve health outcomes and promote quality of life for all Delawareans. ORC regularly inspects radiation facilities to ensure that X-ray equipment is operated safely by trained, qualified staff. ORC also registers facilities that use radioactive materials, registers radiation service providers, and issues certificates for administering radiation to human patients by qualifying medical and dental radiation technologists and technicians. “Safe radiation procedures protect our health and quality of life,” said DPH Director Dr. Karyl Rattay. “Medical imaging procedures play an important role in the early detection of cancer and cardiovascular disease, in assessing broken or weakening bones through the use of X-rays and bone scans, and in detecting oral health issues at the dentist’s office.” “I encourage Delawareans to learn more about how radiation is used to keep Delawareans healthy, and learn more about existing educational and employment opportunities in the practice community.” said Dr. Frances Esposito, Authority Chair. For more information about how radiation protects and enhances personal health, information useful to parents about pediatric imaging, lesson plans for teachers, games for students and additional resources for radiation professionals, visit the Authority on Radiation Protection at www.deradiationprotection.org. For more information about ORC and radiation technologist certification requirements, call 302-744-4546 or visit http://dhss.delaware.gov/dhss/dph/hsp/orc.html. For more information about Delaware Tech’s Radiologic Technology program, visit dtcc.edu/academics/programs-study/radiologic-technology or contact Kristie Hellens, department chair, instructor and program advisor at khellens@dtcc.edu or 302-259-6680