Category Archives: SDFMC

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 “

With over 25 years of experience in maternal child health, Jane Koehn, RN, is eager to use her knowledge and skills as a Bright Start nurse home visitor for the South Dakota Foundation for Medical Care (SDFMC). Koehn’s interest in maternal child healthcare was sparked when she became a mother.    “The nurses who cared forContinueContinue reading “Koehn Set to Impact Bright Start Team  “

A South Dakota Department of Health COVID-19 initiative to review infectious disease precautions at congregate living facilities brought together Stephanie Hanson, BSN, RN, program manager for the South Dakota Foundation for Medical Care (SDFMC), and Eric Weber, chief executive officer for the Union Gospel Mission (UGM) in Sioux Falls. The two never imagined their phoneContinueContinue reading “Access to Narcan at Union Gospel Mission Saves a Life “

Having a baby means many changes, and any new mom can experience postpartum depression (PPD). It can develop after the birth of any child, not just the first. For half of women diagnosed with PPD, it is their first time to have depression.    Emily Carlson, RN, Bright Start home visiting nurse, emphasized, “When working withContinueContinue reading “Raising Awareness about Post-Partum Depression  “