-Five Additional Facilities Named Runners-Up-
ST. PAUL, Minn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--With a video depicting an infection prevention “biathlon,” St. John’s Mercy Medical Center of St. Louis, Mo., received more than 10,100 votes and was named the winner of the 3M “Innovation Award.” The contest invited healthcare facilities across the country to showcase original ways of improving patient care and helping to reduce the risk for healthcare-associated infections through video or written submissions. As the winner, St. John’s Mercy Medical Center will be awarded a $5,000 educational grant from 3M to continue their innovative initiative, as well as an expense-paid trip to 3M to meet with the Infection Prevention Division and participate in educational opportunities with 3M’s Infection Prevention experts.
The company also awarded $1,000 grants to five runners up, including:
- Sierra Vista Regional Medical Center, San Luis Obispo, Calif. (9,651 votes)
- Christiana Care Health System, Wilmington, Del. (6,106 votes)
- Albert Einstein Healthcare Network, Philadelphia, Pa., (2,828 votes)
- Pella Regional Health Center, Pella, Iowa (2,234 votes)
- Harrington Hospital, Southbridge, Mass. (2,081 votes)
“As International Infection Prevention Week kicks off this month, we pay tribute to the critical role infection prevention professionals play in delivering exceptional and safe patient care. These organizations demonstrated that collaboration, innovative ideas and dedication to putting safety first can make a difference,” said Debra Rectenwald, president and general manager of 3M’s Infection Prevention Division. “We congratulate St. John’s Mercy Medical Center for showing its creative and educational approach to fighting healthcare-associated infections and look forward to sharing ideas with them during their visit to 3M that may benefit hospitals across the country.”
Fourteen finalists met all eligibility requirements and participated in public voting to determine the winner and runners up. More than 36,000 votes were cast throughout the two week voting period. The St. John’s Mercy Medical Center submission along with the others runners up, can be viewed at www.3mhaicontest.com.
Healthcare-associated infections are among the top 10 leading causes of death in the U.S., responsible for approximately 100,000 deaths a year – more than mortality from AIDS, breast cancer and auto accidents combined. 1 The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDD) estimates overall annual direct medical costs of HAIs to U.S. hospitals range from $28.4 billion to $45 billion. The benefits of prevention range from a low of $5.7 billion (20 percent of infections preventable) to a high of $31.5 billion (70 percent of infections preventable).2
About International Infection Prevention Week
International Infection Prevention Week (IIPW) was established in the U.S. in 1986 by President Ronald Reagan who proclaimed the third week of October as National Infection Control Week and called upon all “federal, state and local government agencies, health organizations, communications, media and people” to take part in educational activities and programs. Since its creation, the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC) has spearheaded the annual effort to recognize IIPW globally. It is now formally recognized in individual institutions and nationally in several countries and regions around the world including Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom, the Middle East and South East Asia. 3M Health Care is the Presenting Sponsor of International Infection Prevention Week.
About 3M Infection Prevention
3M Infection Prevention Division is truly on a mission to help reduce healthcare-associated infections through its infection prevention solutions. With its system of people, products and processes, 3M remains a trusted partner committed to helping hospitals reduce the risk of infections, improve patient outcomes, and control their bottom lines. Learn more at www.3m.com/infectionprevention.
About 3M Health Care
3M Health Care, one of 3M’s six major business segments, provides world-class innovative products and services to help healthcare professionals improve the practice, delivery and outcome of patient care in medical, oral care, drug delivery, food safety and health information markets. Learn more at www.3m.com/healthcare.
About 3M
A recognized leader in research and development, 3M produces thousands of innovative products for dozens of diverse markets. 3M’s core strength is applying its more than 40 distinct technology platforms – often in combination – to a wide array of customer needs. With $23 billion in sales, 3M employs 75,000 people worldwide and has operations in more than 65 countries. For more information, visit www.3m.com or follow @3MNews on Twitter.
1 www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dhqp/healthDis.html. Accessed August 31, 2010
a. www.cdc.gov/hiv/topics/surveillance/basic.htm#ddaids. Accessed August 31, 2010
b. www.cancer.org/downloads/STT/CAFF2005BrF.pdf. Accessed August 31, 2010
c. www.car-accidents.com/pages/fatal-accident-statistics.html. Accessed August 31, 2010
2 http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dhqp/pdf/Scott_CostPaper.pdf. Accessed August 31, 2010
3MMary Kokkinen, 651-733-8806mckokkinen@mmm.comorWCGMolly Rabinovitz, 312-646-6294mrabinovitz@wcgworld.com
