23Oct 2025 by Chelsea Song
Antibiotic Awareness Week

Antibiotic Awareness Week

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Kentucky currently has one of the highest antibiotic prescribing rates in the nation, with 1,089 prescriptions per 1,000 people, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This rate exceeds the national average and highlights an urgent need for stronger antimicrobial stewardship efforts across the state. Unnecessary antibiotic use contributes to the development of antimicrobial resistance, a growing global threat. Infection Preventionists play a critical role in stewardship efforts. They are uniquely positioned to educate both clinical staff and patients about the risks of inappropriate antibiotic use and to reinforce that most respiratory infections—such as viral bronchitis, colds, and the flu—do not require antibiotics. IPs can help dispel myths and clarify that supportive care, not antibiotics, is the standard for viral illnesses. In addition to education, IPs should…
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15Oct 2025 by Chelsea Song
Infection Prevention Week

Infection Prevention Week

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Infection Prevention Week is almost here! Rather than just a week, this month we are celebrating the incredible work of Infection Preventionists—true heroes behind safe healthcare. Every day, you save lives through your dedication to improving practices and preventing infections. From surveillance to hand hygiene, water management, and everything in between, you know the ins and outs of your facility and understand the strengths and challenges of your teams. It takes a unique perspective to see the unseen—the pathogens invisible to the naked eye—but you recognize the risks and act with precision. You investigate and educate. You intervene and implement changes that drive infection rates down. You are trusted colleagues, vital team members, and leaders who make safe healthcare possible. Despite juggling many responsibilities and keeping up with extensive guidelines,…
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08Oct 2025 by Chelsea Song
KyIP at SOS

KyIP at SOS

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KyIP in the Community: Supplies over Seas KyIP and Norton Research Institute recently rolled up their sleeves at Supplies over Seas (SOS), a Louisville nonprofit making a global impact by redistributing surplus medical supplies and equipment to communities in need. Together, we helped sort and pack life-saving materials destined for hospitals and clinics around the world. Volunteering with SOS was a powerful reminder of how collaboration can strengthen health systems, reduce waste, and extend the reach of care far beyond Kentucky’s borders.Learn more about SOS and how you can get involved by clicking the link below.  Pictured: members of KyIP and Norton Research Institute What is SOS? Supplies over Seas is a Louisville, Kentucky-based nonprofit organization that meets critical health care needs in medically impoverished communities around the world by collecting and…
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24Sep 2025 by Chelsea Song
Lessons Learned & Best Practices for Measles Cases in Healthcare Settings

Lessons Learned & Best Practices for Measles Cases in Healthcare Settings

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Free Webinar Measles remains one of the most contagious infectious diseases, and recent outbreaks have highlighted the importance of vigilance across healthcare and public health. This webinar will provide Kentucky healthcare providers and public health professionals with the latest updates on measles activity and practical strategies for preparedness and response.Join us for an in-depth discussion on identifying, reporting, and preventing measles in healthcare and community settings.Event DetailsDate: Wednesday, October 29th, 2025 Time: 12:00 - 1:00 PM EST Format: Live Webinar via Zoom with audience Q&A While this event is free to attend, registration is required.  Click here to register Featured Speaker Lee Hundley, MPH, VPD Epidemiology Section Manager, Kentucky Department for Public HealthLee is an epidemiologist with several years of experience in a variety of disease focus areas at the state health department…
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08Sep 2025 by Chelsea Song
The Critical Role of EVS in Preventing the Spread of Infection

The Critical Role of EVS in Preventing the Spread of Infection

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Environmental cleaning is one of the most essential actions taken to prevent the spread of illness. Because pathogens are not visible to the naked eye, cleaning every area is necessary. While any staff member can keep patient areas clean, trained EVS workers perform thorough cleaning and disinfection. In order to remove pathogens, EVS staff work methodically to clean and disinfect within the healthcare environment. This must be done with the appropriate cleaning or disinfecting product. It is also crucial to know which areas are most likely to be contaminated, as those areas need disinfection that is more frequent. CDC High Touch Surfaces Pathogens can live on surfaces for months How long do pathogens live on surfaces. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) maintains lists of approved disinfectants, which can be searched…
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25Aug 2025 by Chelsea Song
KYWSS: Using Cues to Anticipate Viral Trends

KYWSS: Using Cues to Anticipate Viral Trends

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Join Kentucky Infection Prevention Training Center (KyIP) and the KYWSS Environmental & Occupational Countermeasures Program Manager from the KY Department for Public Health for a free webinar. About the WebinarThe Kentucky Wastewater Surveillance System (KYWSS) is a critical tool for tracking and anticipating viral trends across the Commonwealth. By analyzing wastewater samples, KYWSS provides valuable early cues of community-level infection activity—helping healthcare providers, public health professionals, and policymakers prepare for and respond to outbreaks more effectively.This session will highlight how KYWSS works, current applications in Kentucky, and the system’s role in strengthening infectious disease surveillance and preparedness.Date: September 16, 2025Time: 12:00–1:00 PM ESTLocation: Virtual (Zoom link provided after registration)Guest Speaker: Dr. Nancy E. Johnson, DrPH, MSPH, CIHWhile this is a free webinar, registration is required.  Click here to register Dr. Nancy…
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