International Infection Prevention Week, October 18-24, highlights IP COVID-19 stories

Arlington, Va., September 18, 2020 –The Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC) today announced that this year’s International Infection Prevention Week (IIPW), October 18-24, will shine a spotlight on the infection preventionist’s (IP’s) invaluable role protecting frontline healthcare workers and patients from COVID-19, and will encourage others to honor and thank IPs for their efforts.

IPs are patient safety experts who work to prevent infections in healthcare facilities like hospitals and nursing homes. IIPW is an annual awareness campaign organized by APIC to highlight the importance of infection prevention. To recognize the efforts of IPs, the 2020 theme for IIPW is #WeLoveIPs.

“Infection preventionists form the backbone of risk mitigation efforts around the country, but because their goal is to prevent something from happening, it’s harder to see what they do,” said APIC 2020 President, Connie Steed, MSN, RN, CIC, FAPIC. “COVID-19 has shown the world how crucial IPs are in keeping our communities safe. During IIPW, APIC will lead efforts to recognize and celebrate the critically important work of IPs.”

During COVID-19, IPs have been pivotal in safeguarding the health of Americans, from ensuring that healthcare workers wear their PPE correctly, to making certain that routine medical visits can continue during the pandemic. They have developed plans for hospital surge capacity, prepared COVID units in hospitals and alternate care sites, evaluated and implemented frequently changing guidance, navigated the supply chain to obtain needed PPE, facilitated safer care in nursing homes, consulted with businesses and schools to identify safe practices for resumption of in-person activities, and myriad other things.

During this year’s IIPW, APIC will post IP stories and shareable social media content so nurses, doctors, and patients can thank IPs for their vital contributions to public health. APIC is also sponsoring a series of wellness events to help IPs recharge and rejuvenate as communities gear up for surges of COVID-19 and the seasonal flu.

Healthcare companies and associations have also pledged their support during IIPW. “We are grateful to industry champions and association partners who have joined APIC to improve safety and recognize our IPs as healthcare superstars,” said Steed.

APIC is releasing a special edition of the 5 Second Rule podcast and is hosting a Twitter chat (#IIPWChat) on Tuesday, October 20 at 12 pm ET to discuss the IP’s role and how we can work together to prevent COVID-19 and the seasonal flu. Visit apic.org/iipw to access APIC’s COVID-19 factsheets, infection prevention infographics, and social media content.  
ABOUT APIC

The Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC) is creating a safer world through the prevention of infection. APIC’s nearly 16,000 members develop and direct infection prevention and control programs that save lives and improve the bottom line for healthcare facilities. APIC advances its mission through patient safety, education, implementation science, competencies and certification, advocacy, and data standardization. Visit us at apic.org.

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Contact: Liz Garman | egarman@apic.org | 202-365-7421