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.
Ready, Set, Educate! Infection Prevention Educator Roadshow 2026
Infection prevention education keeps healthcare staff on their toes. From emerging diseases to new multidrug-resistant organism (MDRO) challenges and changing guidance, training needs can shift fast. The 2026 Infection Prevention Educator Roadshow is here to help you stay ready with hands-on tools, fresh ideas, and practical strategies built for today’s ever-changing healthcare environment.
More About the Roadshow
- Leave with practical educator supplies, resources, and fresh ideas to strengthen your training toolkit
- Connect with fellow infection preventionists, designated infection control officers, and health educators from across Virginia
- Explore real-world strategies that make infection prevention education more interactive, memorable, and effective
- Gain confidence teaching in fast-changing healthcare environments where flexibility matters more than ever
For questions about this training resource, contact hai@vdh.virginia.gov.
Target Audience: Foundational & Intermediate IPC Education Level
VDH Southwest Regional Team Infection Prevention Mentorship Program
This month, Paige Bordwine, Southwest Regional Epidemiologist with the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) is highlighting the successes of an infection prevention mentorship program among health department staff in her region.
The Southwest Virginia Regional Infection Prevention team consists of three infection preventionists (IPs), supported by regional containment team members who assist with COVID-19 investigation and prevention. To strengthen IPC expertise and expand regional support, the IPs began mentoring containment team members. Through shadowing during on-site IPC assessments, mentees gained hands-on experience in conducting observations, providing education, and offering resources to address facility needs.
After facilities receive their recommendations report, an IP mentee follows up to address questions and needs, as well as provide education, observations, and interventions based on the IPC assessment. Notably, many skilled nursing and congregate care facilities lacked trained N95 fit testers. In response, the regional team assigned a specialist to conduct train-the-trainer sessions and assist with initial fit testing.
The Southwest Region has received excellent feedback on the value of the IP mentee program. Facilities benefit from mentee support, while mentees gain infection prevention experience, often using the program as a pathway to becoming infection preventionists and pursuing certification in infection control. Mentees describe the experience as rewarding, impactful, and an invaluable learning opportunity.
