Regional Medical Center and Starlight Foundation Bring New MRI LEGO® “Education Sets” to Help Reduce Anxiety for Pediatric Patients
ANNISTON, Ala. — Regional Medical Center (RMC) has introduced a new, child-friendly resource across its imaging departments designed to make MRI and CT scans less frightening for young patients. Through a partnership with the nonprofit Starlight Foundation, RMC has received 10 MRI “education sets”, specialized LEGO® kits internationally recognized for significantly reducing pediatric anxiety during imaging procedures.
The models, which allow children to explore a miniature, movable MRI machine before their own scan, have been shown to reduce pediatric anxiety by up to 96% and a physician reported a decrease in the need for general anesthesia or sedation by 42%. The sets help children understand what the machine looks like, how it works, and what they can expect to hear or feel, creating a more predictable and empowering experience. This educational model, part of the LEGO® “Learning Through Play” initiative, has supported over one million children with their scans over 4 continents since being introduced in 2023.
“These kits are a simple but incredibly effective tool,” said Thomas Abernathy, Director of Imaging Services at RMC. “For a child who may be scared or overwhelmed, being able to touch and interact with a model can make all the difference. We’re grateful to Starlight for helping us bring this resource to families in our community.”
RMC’s imagination sets will be placed throughout the health system, so that children receiving scans across any campus will have access to the same comforting resource. The interactive models feature a screening room, waiting room, sliding bed, and a breakaway MRI machine that opens up to demonstrate the rotating magnet so that the patient can see the entire experience up close before the process begins.
“This is exactly the kind of compassionate, patient-centered care we want to bring into every corner of RMC,” said Keith Parrott, CEO of RMC. “It’s a small addition that can make a big difference on a hard day.”
