Tami Blackwell

Nurses – The Backbone of Healthcare Nurses Week is a time to recognize and celebrate the exceptional contributions of nurses everywhere. These healthcare heroes work tirelessly to provide expert care to patients in need. As patient advocates, nurses ensure that their patients’ needs are recognized and met by working together with other healthcare professionals to […]

Candida auris (C. auris) is a type of yeast that poses significant challenges among patients in healthcare facilities. Known for causing severe and often fatal infections, C. auris is especially alarming because it can resist multiple antifungal drugs and can spread rapidly within healthcare settings. While C. auris presents considerable challenges, healthcare providers can employ several strategies to prevent its spread effectively.  

HAIs are infections that patients acquire during, or shortly after, receiving healthcare in hospitals, clinics, or other healthcare facilities. HAIs are a significant concern for healthcare safety, ranking among the leading causes of unnecessary death and avoidable harm for patients receiving medical care, and often result in severe health complications, prolonged hospitals stays, and increased medical costs. Beyond individual patient outcomes and healthcare costs, HAIs pose broader public health challenges, including the emergence and spread of antimicrobial-resistant pathogens, significantly impacting the ability to effectively treat infections.

Developed in partnership with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Project Firstline Mississippi is designed to support frontline healthcare workers in better understanding and applying infection control. This year, International Infection Prevention Week (IIPW) takes place globally from October 15 through 21, serving as a reminder of infection prevention’s pivotal role in enhancing patient safety.