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.”

JACKSONVILLE, AL (12/09/2025) The Health Care Authority of the City of Anniston (RMC), Jacksonville State University (Jax State), the City of Jacksonville, and Developer Solutions and Facilities Development Company (DSF) are working collaboratively to expand emergency healthcare for the citizens of Jacksonville and surrounding areas by moving forward with plans to construct a free-standing emergency department (FED) within the City of Jacksonville.

On Nov. 5, 2025, RMC filed a formal Letter of Intent (LOI) with the Alabama Certificate of Need (CON) Review Board for the construction of a Freestanding Emergency Department on Jax State’s campus in Jacksonville, AL. Mayor Jones and the Jacksonville City Council have welcomed the project’s progress and the partnership between RMC and Jax State that continues to strengthen the Jacksonville community.

“On behalf of the city of Jacksonville, we’d like to thank Jacksonville State University and Regional Medical Center for their commitment to making a free-standing emergency room become a reality for our community,” said Mayor of Jacksonville Mark Jones. “This delivers on our commitment to bring quality emergency care to the people of Jacksonville, providing faster response times when seconds count. We look forward to working together on this significant project.”

This partnership represents a significant investment in the health and well-being of Jacksonville residents, as well as a major enhancement to emergency and primary care access for Jacksonville State’s faculty, staff, and students.

Jax State is uniquely positioned to help bring this project to life. The university’s long-standing partnership with RMC, particularly through the Jax State College of Health Professions and Wellness, has created valuable opportunities for hands-on training and collaboration in a fast-paced and real-world clinical setting.

A portion of this proposed 17,000-square-foot facility would relocate the RMC Student Health Center at Jax State from its current location on the south side of Jacksonville to a wing of the new construction. The site is set to be located directly across Highway 21 from Hugh Merrill Hall on the north side of campus, the plot adjacent to the previously announced new Jacksonville Fire Station #2.

“This project is another example of what can happen when Jax State, RMC, and the City of Jacksonville work together toward a shared goal,” said Dr. Don C. Killingsworth, Jr., President of Jacksonville State University. “We’re grateful for the leadership of Mayor Jones and the City of Jacksonville, and for RMC’s continued collaboration and shared commitment to addressing a critical need for expanded emergency care in our community. Together, we’re working to strengthen healthcare access for our campus and for the people of Jacksonville.”

RMC leaders echoed that sentiment, emphasizing the project’s importance in meeting the growing demand for emergency care across Calhoun County.

“One of the most consistent pieces of feedback we’ve received from patients is about emergency department wait times. Over the past several months, we’ve made tremendous progress, reducing the time it takes for patients to see a provider by 26% and decreasing wait times for admitted patients by 29%. Our wait times are now below national averages. This new location in Jacksonville would further alleviate demand at our Anniston facility while providing faster access to high-quality care closer to home for many residents,” said Keith Parrott, President of Regional Medical Center.

In addition to supporting this improvement in emergency care, the Board of Regional Medical Center has not only approved this venture but also a $7M capital budget for FY2026 to continue advancing patient care and safety across all RMC Health System campuses.

The project will undergo state review through the Alabama CON Board. The estimated construction time, including approvals, design, and construction, is projected to take 20-24 months, with an anticipated completion in Spring 2028.

“We are excited about the opportunity to fill an important gap in patient care and provide better healthcare access to the people of Jacksonville and surrounding communities with this Free-Standing Emergency Department,” says Parrott. “I am deeply grateful for the support and collaboration of Jacksonville’s former Mayor Johnny Smith, current Mayor Mark Jones, City Council President Terry Wilson, and Dr. Killingsworth of Jax State. Their combined efforts have been instrumental in advancing RMC’s vision to expand emergency care access for the community and strengthen primary care services for Jax State.”

About RMC Health System (RMC)

RMC Health System (RMC) in Anniston, Alabama, is a trusted leader in healthcare, serving Northeast Alabama with integrity, skill, and compassion. With more than 1,800 employees, 300+ volunteers, and over 200 physicians across a broad range of specialties, RMC provides comprehensive, state-of-the-art care to the community. The hospital is accredited by the American College of Surgeons’ Commission on Cancer (CoC), has earned Blue Distinction Center+ status for Orthopedic® and Maternity Care® from Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama, and received the 2025 Commitment to Quality Award from the American Heart Association (AHA). RMC was also the first Baby-Friendly designated birthing facility in the state of Alabama and was recently accredited by the Institute of Healthcare Improvement (IHI) as an Age-Friendly Health System.

For other questions or further correspondence, please contact: 

Spencer Oliver
soliver@rmccares.org
(256) 405-7555

Regional Medical Center (RMC) is excited to announce that Respiratory Care Week is just around the corner, and we are looking forward to celebrating this special occasion with all of you! Respiratory Care Week is a nationwide celebration that provides us with a fantastic opportunity to recognize and appreciate the vital role that our respiratory therapist plays in patient care and respiratory health. Mark your calendars for October 19-25, 2025 and join us in honoring our respiratory therapy team!

Read our 2025 article below and view our events on the RMC Calendar and below this story!

Beyond the Breath: Anniston’s Respiratory Therapists Keep Our Community Breathing Easy

ANNISTON, AL – October 2025 – While often working behind the scenes, a vital team of healthcare professionals at Regional Medical Center (RMC) in Anniston plays a critical role in the health and well-being of our community: Respiratory Therapists (RTs). These unsung heroes of healthcare are on the front lines, helping patients of all ages, from the tiniest newborns to the most vulnerable seniors, overcome challenges to one of life’s most basic necessities: breathing.

Respiratory care is a multifaceted discipline, extending far beyond the administration of oxygen. RMC’s dedicated Respiratory Therapy Department provides a comprehensive range of pulmonary services, working tirelessly to diagnose, treat, and manage patients with breathing and lung disorders.

Imagine a premature infant struggling to take their first independent breaths. An RMC RT is there, meticulously managing ventilators and providing life-sustaining support. Or consider an elderly patient battling chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), finding each breath a struggle. An RT educates them on breathing techniques, administers crucial medications, and helps them regain a semblance of normal life through pulmonary rehabilitation.

“Our goal in Respiratory Care is to treat patients with professionalism, expert knowledge, and using equipment to help them get well sooner and back to their lives,” explains LaTonya Woods-Smith, RMC’s Respiratory Therapy Coordinator. “Our team is comprised of licensed respiratory practitioners, many with over a decade of experience, and our director, Sedric Heard, has nearly 15 years in the field.” Our Respiratory Navigator, Shani Johnson, serves as a liaison between patients, providers and clinical care teams to ensure compassionate respiratory care for patients with cardiopulmonary conditions.

The daily work of an RMC RT is dynamic and demanding. They assess patients’ respiratory health through physical examinations and diagnostic tests like pulmonary function testing, which measures lung capacity and efficiency. They are skilled in analyzing arterial blood gas results, providing vital insights into a patient’s oxygen and carbon dioxide levels. This crucial information guides treatment decisions and ensures optimal patient care.

Beyond diagnostics, RMC RTs are adept at therapeutic interventions. They administer nebulized medications to open airways, perform chest physiotherapy to clear mucus, and manage complex ventilator systems for critically ill patients. Their expertise is paramount in emergency situations, responding swiftly to cardiopulmonary crises and participating in life-saving procedures.

Success stories abound within RMC’s Respiratory Therapy Department. From helping patients recover from severe pneumonia and return to their daily routines, to empowering individuals with chronic conditions to manage their symptoms independently, the impact of RTs is profound. Their patient education efforts are particularly impactful, teaching individuals and their families about disease management, medication adherence, and lifestyle modifications that can significantly improve long-term respiratory wellness.

The commitment of RMC’s RTs extends beyond the hospital walls. They are instrumental in community health initiatives, such as providing smoking cessation counseling and child asthma education. This proactive approach aims to prevent respiratory issues and promote healthier lives for Anniston residents.

In a healthcare landscape that often highlights surgeons, primary care physicians, and nurses, it’s essential to recognize the invaluable contributions of Respiratory Therapists. They are the guardians of every breath, tirelessly working to ensure that our community breathes easier, one patient at a time. The RMC RT Department stands as a testament to this vital commitment, providing expert, compassionate care that truly makes a difference.

#RCWeek25 Events & Involvement:

• Camp WheezeAway Fun Run / Walk
  
  • Wednesday, October 22nd – 4pm at RMC Community Park (Behind Outpatient Parking)
  • Visit our Event Page for More Information! Link to RMC Event Calendar
    
• School Contests
  
  • Local Elementary & Jr. High Schools – Art Show Contest for Local Schools – Create Posters about Lung Heroes / Breathing / Air
    
  • Local High Schools – 500-Word Essay Contest – The Dangers & Misconceptions of Vaping
    
  • Local High Schools – Short Video Contest – The Dangers & Misconceptions of Vaping
    
  • Contact your local administration or teacher for more information & submission guidelines
    
• Food Truck Parade at RMC Sunday Oct. 19th – Saturday Oct. 25th
  • Link to RMC Event Calendar
    
• Call for Inspirational Stories
  • In honor of Respiratory Care Week and our respiratory therapy staff, we are excited to announce a unique opportunity to showcase and celebrate the unsung heroes of healthcare, RESPIRATORY THERAPIST! Do you have a heartwarming story or personal experience that showcases the dedication and commitment of a respiratory therapist (RT) in our hospital? We invite members of our staff and community to share their stories, anecdotes, and/or encounters that demonstrate compassion and dedication.  Selected stories will be featured on the hospital social media to honor RTs and their invaluable contributions to our hospital and community.
    
  • Submission Guidelines:
    • Stories should be between 40-150 words
    •  Submission should be sent/submitted to LWoods@rmccares.org with the subject line: Respiratory Therapist Stories Submission.
    • Story suggestions: Experience of patients who have been deeply impacted by the care provided by an RT in our hospital. Instances where an RT has gone above and beyond to make a difference in their patients’ lives.