VIPTA is a statewide infection prevention and control education collaborative, led by the Virginia Healthcare-Associated Infections Advisory Group. Through partnership, VIPTA curates IPC resources for Virginia’s healthcare, congregate care, and public health settings.
Winter Reminder: Ice Safety Goes Beyond the Sidewalk
Winter means watching your step outside, scanning sidewalks and parking lots for patches of ice. But in healthcare settings, ice deserves just as much caution indoors as it does outdoors. From ice machines to scoops and storage bins, ice can become a hidden source of germs if it’s not handled carefully.
The CDC Project Firstline “Think Twice About Ice” micro-learn offers an easy-to-use training resource with a facilitator discussion guide and an educational handout.
How to use it
- Tie-in to Facility Protocols: Connect the micro-learn’s points to your facility’s infection control policies. For example, clarify who is responsible for cleaning and maintaining ice machines and how often equipment should be disinfected.
- Post the Job Aid: Print the one-page job aid and place it on breakroom boards, near staff lounges, or by ice machines. Visual reminders reinforce key actions like washing hands before handling ice and using clean scoops and containers.
Target Audience: Essential IPC Education Level
✨Alex Minero Shines at Loudoun’s First SNF Symposium
We are thrilled to celebrate Alexander Minero, the Northern Regional Infection Preventionist working on behalf of the Virginia Department of Health (VDH). In November, Alex participated in Loudoun County’s very first Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) Symposium. This inaugural event, held in partnership with Inova Loudoun Hospital, brought together skilled nursing facilities, hospital partners, and public health professionals to build stronger connections and spark meaningful conversations about shared challenges and successes.
Alex brought his signature energy and educator magic to the day, leading two engaging sessions. The first, “Standard Precautions, Contact Precautions, Enhanced Barrier Precautions, Oh My!” invited participants to test their knowledge through interactive techniques that kept everyone on their toes. His second session, “Infection Prevention and Control Assessments and Site Visits,” helped demystify the assessment process and gave facilities confidence to strengthen their infection prevention practices.
When asked about his preparation for the event, Alex shared, “I think prep is definitely key. I reviewed my slides several times and even timed myself. Also prepping for questions helps because you are not caught off guard.” That focus on readiness showed. Participants were learning, laughing, and leaning in the entire time.
What makes Alex shine is his commitment to hands-on learning. Whether he is facilitating a regional training, conducting education in English or Spanish, troubleshooting environment of care problems on a site visit, or supporting a facility with tricky infection prevention questions, he brings positivity, collaboration, and a genuine desire to help teams succeed.
Thank you, Alex, for your enthusiasm, leadership, and dedication to the facilities you serve. Your support helps make our long-term care and healthcare communities stronger, safer, and better connected.
If your facility is interested in partnering with Alex or any of the VDH Regional Infection Preventionists, visit https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/haiar/ip/
Cheers to you, Alex! Keep up the amazing work.
