International Infection Prevention Week (Oct. 16-22) draws awareness worldwide of the importance of preventing the spread of illnesses and infectious agents. Organized by APIC, the theme for this year’s IIPW is “The Future is Infection Prevention: 50 Years of Infection Prevention” because infection prevention is more important than ever in the battle against a global pandemic and to keep the world safe from healthcare-associated infections. Infection preventionists (IPs) have worked hard behind the scenes to keep healthcare workers and patients safe from COVID-19 and HAIs. Visit the IIPW website for free COVID-19 factsheets, social media posts and more.
“Just in time for International Infection Prevention Week, we have some new interactive resources available on our website, www.sdprojectfirstline.org,” said Jess Danko, South Dakota Foundation for Medical Care and program manager for Project Firstline. “The ‘What is wrong in this picture?’ resource provides healthcare staff an opportunity to identify infection prevention concerns that happen in a real-world everyday healthcare professional setting. These are great for breakroom display and discussion!”
Project Firstline is a national CDC collaborative to educate and train healthcare workers on infectious disease prevention. The South Dakota Foundation for Medical Care leads the Project Firstline program in South Dakota, in partnership with the CDC and the South Dakota Department of Health.
“Our website is continually being updated,” said Charlotte Hofer, director of public relations and marketing on Project Firstline. “Check back often as new information and exciting new interactive resources are always coming out from the CDC.” Other resources on the website include posters on infection prevention, infographics, social media graphics and the Project Firstline video training modules. To access the free infection prevention training or resources, visit www.sdprojectfirstline.org