OAK RIDGE, Tenn.— Radiation Emergency Assistance Center/Training Site (REAC/TS) team members, who provided consultation during a breached radioactive source event at the University of Washington’s Harborview Research and Training Facility in 2019, received the U.S. Secretary of Energy’s Achievement Award for their contribution.

As a member of the Seattle Response and Recovery and Cs-137 Joint Investigation Teams, REAC/TS members were recognized for their part in the “successful emergency response, recovery, stabilization, and investigation of the breached radioactive source event at the University of Washington’s Harborview Research and Training Facility. The Response and Recovery Team’s focused and tireless efforts in responding to a radiological emergency at the facility and removing the breached radioactive source led the way for facility remediation efforts and minimized any harm or negative impacts to the public,” according to the award materials.

“The extensive investigative work performed by the Cs-137 Joint Investigation Team identified the underlying cause of the event and will help prevent recurrence of similar events in the future as well as improve the efficiency and effectiveness of future radiological event responses,” the award materials included.

The DOE Secretary’s Honor Awards states that it formally recognizes the outstanding achievements of individuals and teams who have gone above and beyond in fulfilling the DOE’s mission and serving the nation.

For more details, visit https://www.energy.gov/articles/department-energy-announces-secretary-s-honor-award-recipients

About REAC/TS
REAC/TS is an Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education facility managed by ORAU for the U.S. Department of Energy with the mission to strengthen the medical response to radiological and nuclear incidents. REAC/TS provides 24/7 medical support and deployment to provide emergency medical consultation for incidents involving radioactive materials and ionizing radiation worldwide. REAC/TS also conducts ongoing research into the biological effects of radiation and provides continuing medical education for healthcare providers, other professionals and students. For more information, visit https://orise.orau.gov/reacts/

About ORISE
The Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education is a U.S. Department of Energy asset that is dedicated to enabling critical scientific, research, and health initiatives of the department and its laboratory system by providing world-class expertise in STEM workforce development, scientific and technical reviews, and the evaluation of radiation exposure and environmental contamination. ORISE is managed by ORAU, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation and federal contractor, for the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Science.
The U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Science is the single largest supporter of basic research in the physical sciences in the United States and is working to address some of the most pressing challenges of our time. For more information, visit https://energy.gov/science
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