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.
Navigating the Hand Hygiene Galaxy
Hand hygiene remains one of the most important — and powerful — actions we can take to protect patients and ourselves. This year, in honor of World Hand Hygiene Day on Monday, May 5, 2025, we’re inviting you to chart a course for cleaner hands — and a healthier galaxy — with some stellar tools.
What to Expect: To support your hand hygiene efforts this May, here are a few resources that are out of this world:
- WHO Hand Hygiene Game: Step into a futuristic hospital in space and stop the spread of infections by completing all five levels in this interactive, free training game.
- CDC Hand Hygiene Program Video Series: A four-part educator video series built around the “4 Es” — Engage, Educate, Empower, and Evaluate — providing plain language tools and strategies to invigorate hand hygiene teaching.
- VDH Hand Hygiene In-Service Slide Deck: Ready-to-use PowerPoint training that covers essential hand hygiene practices will get you ready for training in the blink of an eye. It is one of many VDH hand hygiene resources.
How to Use These Resources:
- Host a Hand Hygiene Challenge: Encourage staff to compete to complete all five levels of the WHO Hand Hygiene Game. Participants who complete the mission can be entered into a prize drawing — and help boost team engagement!
- Inspire Champions with the CDC Video Series: Use CDC hand hygiene program videos to energize your Champions of Healthcare Infection Prevention (CHIP) and prep them to deliver quick, relatable education to peers. Turn everyday moments into hand hygiene wins across your facility.
- Expand World Hand Hygiene Day into a Week with the VDH Slide Deck: Pull key slides to create daily huddles leading up to May 5th. A quick message each day builds momentum, keeps clean hands top of mind, and turns a single event into a weeklong celebration.
No matter where your healthcare journey takes you — from bedside to breakroom — navigating the hand hygiene galaxy starts with clean hands.
Target Audience: Essential IPC Education Level
Carilion IPs Promote Health and Prevention at Hollins University
The Carilion Clinic Infection Prevention and Control team recently took part in an exceptional community outreach event at the annual Hollins University Student Health Fair on April 23, 2025, engaging directly with students and staff on important health topics.
Carilion’s Infection Preventionists (IPs) brought energy, expertise, and education to the event, delivering interactive presentations focused on:
- Hand hygiene
- Sun safety
- Sexual health and STD prevention
In an inspiring show of mentorship and collaboration, the IP team was joined by a student intern who contributed a powerful perspective on mental health, especially as it relates to substance abuse and infectious diseases such as Hepatitis C.
Together, the team connected with the Hollins community, reinforcing the importance of everyday practices that protect personal and public health. Their efforts reflect the vital role IPs play not only in healthcare settings, but also in community outreach and education.
Thank you to the Carilion IP team for your commitment to health promotion and prevention. Your involvement in events like this strengthens the bridge between healthcare and the communities we serve!
