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.
Short Training Videos from Virginia Infection Prevention Training Center (VIPTC)
VIPTC developed a series of infection prevention and control (IPC) educational videos for healthcare workers.
- Short videos (3-6 minutes in length)
- Fun and visually engaging for a fresh take on IPC topics
Ways to Share this Resource
- Great nuggets to drop into quick meetings, huddles, emails, or trainings
- Perfect for sharing during International Infection Prevention Week (October 15-21)
Target Audience: Foundational to Intermediate IPC Education Levels
Strengthening Antimicrobial Stewardship, One Partnership at a Time
During U.S. Antibiotic Awareness Week (November 18–24), we’re celebrating two public health leaders who are improving antibiotic use in skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) across Northern Virginia.
Sahar AlHarazi, Epidemiologist at the Loudoun County Health Department and Christina Chommanard, Epidemiology Supervisor at the Alexandria Health Department, are expanding the Strengthening Antimicrobial Stewardship for Skilled Nursing Facilities (SASS) Program. They build strong partnerships and tailor support to local needs.
Sahar has introduced the program in one Loudoun County SNF and is actively engaging additional facilities. She listens closely to staff, learns about their challenges, and provides practical support without adding extra paperwork.
Christina has introduced the program in two SNFs in Alexandria. One facility is fully participating and preparing to share antibiotic use data, and she is engaging additional facilities. She has also strengthened SASS training materials, developed local resources, and launched the Antimicrobial Stewardship Kickstart (ASK) Program.
Both leaders work closely with Fairfax County SASS Program Coordinator Taylor Crosby and Scale-up Coordinator Mamata Kamat, who provide technical support and help facilities put the program into practice.
Their work shows that stewardship succeeds when people build trust, understand local needs, and make proven practices easier to use. Cheers to Sahar and Christina for helping facilities improve antibiotic use and protect residents!
Getting Started Tips
- Build relationships. Talk with facility leaders and frontline staff.
- Listen first. Fit each effort to the facility’s needs and daily work.
- Start small. Choose realistic steps, then build on success.
- Keep tools useful. Adjust resources to meet local needs.
- Use data. Track antibiotic use in a simple way and use results to improve.
Helpful Resource: Fairfax County Health Department’s Strengthening Antimicrobial Stewardship Program offers tools for SNF stewardship programs.
