APIC Conference Benefits SD Infection Prevention Efforts

Fast and Danko Attend Infection Control Conference MED article highlights South Dakota Foundation for Medical Care (SDFMC) team’s experience connecting with infection prevention leaders from across the country. The APIC conference included information on a new scholarship opportunity for critical access hospitals to help with infection prevention and control tools and resources.  Jess Danko, MSHA,Continue reading “APIC Conference Benefits SD Infection Prevention Efforts”

September 13 PFL Office Hour: Germs Live on Dry Surfaces

Dry surfaces like door handles, light switches, and handrails are commonly touched. Proper cleaning and disinfection of surfaces helps reduce the spread of germs and the potential risk for infection. The upcoming South Dakota Project Firstline (SD PFL) Office Hour will review how to reduce the risk of infection on dry surfaces. SD PFL OfficeContinue reading “September 13 PFL Office Hour: Germs Live on Dry Surfaces”

SDFMC Infection Prevention Team Expansion

Accepting Job Applications for Program Manager: Ryan White Part B The South Dakota Foundation for Medical Care (SDFMC) has a mission to improve quality of life for all South Dakotans by collaborating with healthcare professionals and community partners to achieve excellence in care. By pursing the organizational values to seek excellence, develop professionals, focus onContinue reading “SDFMC Infection Prevention Team Expansion”

Real-Life Examples Presented During Project Firstline Office Hours

A picture is worth a thousand words. When it comes to infection prevention and control seeing the practices and resulting issues first-hand adds impact and encourages change. Recognizing the value of real-life examples for improving education, the South Dakota Project Firstline (PFL) Office Hours updated the session format to include discussion on photos from infectionContinue reading “Real-Life Examples Presented During Project Firstline Office Hours”

Sime Strengthens Infection Prevention Team

Building bridges, literally and figuratively, paved the way for Rebecca Sime, RN, to become the newest program manager for the South Dakota Foundation for Medical Care (SDFMC). Her journey from civil engineering to registered nurse has given Sime a unique perspective and skill set in both project management and quality improvement.   As a member ofContinue reading “Sime Strengthens Infection Prevention Team”

Infection Lurks at Every Tooth 

Oral care goes beyond maintaining teeth.  The mouth tells a story about a person’s overall health, including revealing infection. Infection prevention and control practices in the dental setting are important for protecting those receiving and providing care. When working in the oral cavity, the body’s defense mechanisms are bypassed. Ensuring processes provide the highest levelContinue reading “Infection Lurks at Every Tooth “

CDC Project Firstline Town Hall May 16

May 11, 2023, marks the expiration of the federal COVID-19 Public Health Emergency (PHE) declaration. As a result, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has updated the infection control recommendations for healthcare facilities.  To support healthcare workers to understand the updated recommendations and how they may be implemented in various facilities and settings,Continue reading “CDC Project Firstline Town Hall May 16”

Safe and Sanitized Environment is Foundational for Health

Creating a culture where infection prevention practices become universal in all activities is the focus for Project Firstline (PFL), a national training collaborative from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Routine cleaning and disinfecting practices are important for protecting public health, and South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem proclaimed March 26 – April 1,Continue reading “Safe and Sanitized Environment is Foundational for Health”

The Infection Connection Session Features SDFMC Team

SDAHO Post-Acute Partners in Care Conference: April 12-13, 2023 South Dakota Foundation for Medical Care’s (SDFMC) infection prevention content experts, Jess Danko, MSHA, RRT, LTC-CIP and Cheri Fast, RN, CIC, LTC-CIP, will provide first-hand examples of infection control concerns during the South Dakota Association of Healthcare Organizations (SDAHO) Post-Acute Partners in Care Conference which beginsContinue reading “The Infection Connection Session Features SDFMC Team”

Cleaning is a Health and Safety Investment

Cleaning Week: March 26 – April 1, 2023 Every industry uses cleaning practices to protect South Dakotans from unwanted contact with germs. Governor Kristi Noem recognizes regular cleaning and disinfection as a health and safety investment and issued a proclamation marking the week of March 26, 2023, as Cleaning Week. “Cleaning and disinfection are anContinue reading “Cleaning is a Health and Safety Investment”