Family CARE Grants Help Ease Needle Anxiety for Young Patients
Published Monday, July 27, 2026
(L-R) Abby Sanders, MRI Student, and Shelby Turcotte, MRT(MR), MRI Charge Technologist, with Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre are pictured with the Buzzy device funded through the Health Sciences Foundation's Family CARE Grants program to help reduce pain and anxiety for paediatric patients requiring needles or IV starts.
Paediatric patients undergoing IV starts and venipunctures in Diagnostic Imaging will now benefit from added comfort measures thanks to support through the Health Sciences Foundation's Family CARE Grants program.
The idea was first introduced at Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre by Child Life Specialists working in Paediatric Inpatient care, who received Family CARE Grant funding for Buzzy devices last year. Following their success in helping reduce fear and anxiety for young patients, Diagnostic Imaging recently received a Buzzy through the program.
The colourful device uses cold and vibration to help distract children and lessen discomfort during injections, IV insertions, and bloodwork. Small ice pack “wings” help numb the area while the gentle buzzing sensation helps interrupt pain signals travelling to the brain. While designed primarily to support paediatric patients, the device can also help comfort patients of all ages who may feel anxious about needles or IV procedures.
Inspired by frontline staff ideas, the Family CARE (Care Advancement Recommended by Employees) Grants program supports smaller but meaningful enhancements that improve patient and family care. Made possible through donor support and Thunder Bay 50/50 participants, the program helps healthcare teams bring thoughtful ideas like Buzzy to patients throughout the Hospital.
Visit healthsciencesfoundation.ca/familycare to see more Family CARE Grant-funded initiatives and discover how your support can help fund the next great idea from frontline staff.