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 Virginiaâs healthcare, congregate care, and public health settings.
đLet’s Throw an Infection Prevention Party!
International Infection Prevention Week (IIPW) is October 19â25 and a great reason to have a party! A simple way to add flare to your celebration is with the brand-new Cheers for Peers certificate. Itâs a ready-to-use tool that makes it easy to spotlight the everyday wins that keep patients, residents, and staff safe. You can hand one out during a huddle, post it on a breakroom bulletin board, or make it part of a bigger party.
Free Tools to Bring the Fun:Â The Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC) makes it easy to host your own celebration. The IIPW toolkit offers:
- Fun graphics and posters to brighten up your space.
- Ready-to-use PowerPoint slides to add flair to your next huddle or staff meeting.
- Promotional videos and infographics that spark conversation.
- Daily themes and games to keep the energy high all week long.
Explore and download resources at:Â Infection Prevention and You.
Party Ideas for Your Team
- Kick off the week by surprising a unit with balloons, snacks, and a quick game.
- Hand out Cheers for Peers certificates to celebrate a champion of healthcare infection prevention, an infection-free milestone, great hand hygiene audits, or a colleague who consistently models best practices.
Puzzle It Out! Want to add an extra layer of fun? Create your own infection prevention puzzles for staff to solve using a free site like Puzzel.org. Imagine sending someone a crossword or jigsaw puzzle that, when solved, reveals: âYou won a Cheers for Peers award!â
Why It Matters:Â Celebrating infection prevention wins is more than just fun — it can boost morale and remind your team that every effort counts. As we head into the busy fall respiratory season, a little joy goes a long way in keeping spirits high.
So, gather your balloons, download your graphics, and throw an infection prevention party this IIPW. And donât forget to share your celebrations with VIPTA, weâd love to cheer alongside you!
Target Audience:Â Essential IPC Education Level
Dental Infection Prevention Star
Join us in celebrating a cutting-edge infection prevention and control leader in dental settings. Tatjana Snyder is an infection prevention specialist at Virginia Family Dentistry, leading dental infection prevention efforts at 16 locations. She holds the Certification in Dental Infection Prevention and Control (one of the first in Virginia to accomplish this!) and oversees infection prevention staff education and implementation of infection control strategies.
Tatjana ensures hygienic environments, conducts water quality assessments, and upholds dental safety protocols. Her commitment to patient care and safety is evident in her meticulous oversight of instrument sterilization and use of checklists to inspect what she expects. As a member of the Organization for Safety, Asepsis and Prevention (OSAP), she advances dental safety practices and ensures adherence to high standards at all Virginia Family Dentistry locations.
Thank you Tatjana for being a champion for infection prevention in dental settings and working hard to keep patients safe!
