Author Archives: eliseheesch

Read the full article on the Midwest Medical Edition (MED). Health care organizations with plans to renovate or expand existing facilities face the challenge of maintaining a sterile environment in a construction zone.  Reducing risk of infection from dust and debris while also protecting workers and tradesmen from exposure is a next level of infectionContinueContinue reading “MED Feature: Reducing Health Associated Infection Risk In A Construction Zone”

South Dakota Foundation for Medical Care (SDFMC) has announced the promotion of Nancy McDonald, BSN, RN, CPHQ to the position of vice president. In this new capacity, McDonald will be responsible for overseeing all SDFMC projects and operations.   SDFMC CEO Jay Lewis, MBA, shared, “SDFMC is very pleased to have Nancy McDonald in the roleContinueContinue reading “SDFMC Announces New Vice President  “

Hosts of the 605 Podcast highlighted Infection Prevention Month and Pork Month during the October 19 video session.  The podcast guests and hosts laughed through a game of “Pig Your Poison” as they voted on scientific health term applying to a pig, human, or both.  While the podcast is a fun environment, the show addressedContinueContinue reading “Danko Featured Guest on 605 “Don’t Be a Pig” Podcast “

Being thankful, showing appreciation, and returning kindness are all qualities parents work to instill in their children. Teaching these characteristics of gratitude to young children in their first five years may transform a child’s outlook on life. The holiday season is an ideal time to help young children understand and practice gratitude.  Demonstrating appreciation forContinueContinue reading “Teaching Children Gratitude  “

South Dakota Association of Healthcare Organizations (SDAHO) is presenting “Stigma: A Personal Testimony from Megan Cantone”. on two dates in November to bring awareness to stigmas related to substance use disorder. Register for webinar one on Monday, November 6, 2023, at 12:30pm (CST). Register for webinar two on Thursday, November 30, 2023, at 12:30pm (CST) ContinueContinue reading “SDAHO Stigma Webinar: 11/06 and 11/30”

Individuals in a health care setting have a higher risk of infection. Health care facilities can participate in a proactive Infection Control Assessment and Response (ICAR) to receive free, non-regulatory guidance to strengthen infection prevention and control and reduce health-associated infections (HAI).  “Without effective infection prevention it is difficult to achieve quality health care delivery,”ContinueContinue reading “Fighting Infection One ICAR at a Time “

 Providing infection control education for healthcare staff has been made easy through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) new series of micro-learn resources. These quick and educational tools are a resource for infection preventionists and department managers to quickly access and share.   The upcoming South Dakota Project Firstline (SD PFL) Office Hour willContinueContinue reading “POSTPONED November 8 SD PFL Office Hour: Micro Learn on Cough and Congestion”

Sidestepping and leaning away from someone who coughs or sneezes is a natural instinct to avoid exposure to germs. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has introduced the Cough and Congestion Micro-Learn to provide additional education on ways to reduce the chance of infection. The short, adaptive, and easy to use activities areContinueContinue reading “Micro-Learn: Cough and Congestion  “

Pumpkins, sweaters, and turning leaves are clear signs of the changing season. The Halloween costumes are a reminder that October is also the month to unmask the issues of domestic violence. Disguising the signs of abuse by hiding or lying about bruises or other injuries should be taken seriously.   “As a Bright Start home visitingContinueContinue reading “Unmasking Signs of Domestic Violence “