Safe Injection Practices Coalition Website Demonstration

Brief Summary: Background:  In 2012, high profile outbreaks of Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) and invasive bacterial infections, along with related patient notification events, highlighted the continuing need for communication of injection safety principles to healthcare providers and state and local health departments. State and local health departments are in a unique position to educate providers on the importance of safe injection practices and pursue regulatory changes (e.g., related to education and training requirements) to assure safe practice standards are met. Methods:  The Safe Injection Practices Coalition (SIPC) is a CDC-led partnership of healthcare-related organizations that promotes safe injection practices in all U.S. healthcare settings. The SIPC One & Only Campaign—a public health education and awareness campaign — is aimed at both healthcare providers and patients to advance and promote safe injection practices.  Results:  In 2012, the SIPC released a suite of new materials to assist state and local health departments and other interested parties with educating their constituencies on safe injection practices.  These materials include a “how to do it right” video addressing appropriate single-dose vial usage, a bloodborne pathogens training for healthcare providers, an insulin pen poster and brochure, and a digital press kit, including an infographic and podcast.  These materials are intended for easy use by state and local health departments and other partners.  This session will familiarize attendees with the available suite of materials, including how to find them on the SIPC website and suggested methods for successful dissemination to target audiences . If time and audience interest are sufficient, additional orientation to the CDC Injection Safety and/or Outpatient websites will also be provided. Conclusions:  State and local health departments are critical partners in both the investigation of outbreaks related to unsafe injection practices as well as communicating critical injection safety information. They have an essential role in promoting safe injection practices in all healthcare settings.