FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE            Connecticut Department of Public Health

June 12, 2008                                           Contact: William Gerrish

                                                                 (860) 509-7270

Connecticut Launches Hand Washing Campaign to Address Healthcare Associated Infections

TO:                              News Departments/Reporters

WHAT:                        The launch of Connecticut’s new hand washing campaign, designed to raise awareness of every resident’s role in reducing healthcare-associated infections.  Hospitals and nursing homes will be asked to pledge their support for the campaign and to help sustain year-long educational efforts to protect their patients, employees, and Connecticut’s communities. 

                                    The kick-off event and educational campaign are part of a larger health-care associated infections initiative, including a statewide reporting system for health care associated infections.

WHEN:                        Friday, June 13, 2008

10:00 a.m.

WHERE:                      Old Judiciary Room, 3^rd Floor, State Capitol, Hartford

WHO:                          Speakers:

• Department of Public Health Commissioner Dr. J. Robert Galvin
• Dr. Richard Garibaldi, Chairman, Department of Medicine, UCONN Health Center
• Susan MacArthur, RN, Infection Control Practitioner, Hartford Hospital

Connecticut Hospital CEOs, Connecticut Nursing Home Directors, and members of the Healthcare Associated Infections Advisory Committee will also be in attendance.

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