About the Program
The Healthcare-associated Infections and Antimicrobial Resistance (HAI/AR) Program is dedicated to the prevention and control of healthcare-associated infections and antimicrobial resistance. This program serves as a resource to the Philadelphia healthcare community and public with the goal of improving healthcare safety and quality in the City of Philadelphia. Review our HAI Plan (2022) to learn more.
Goals
- Strengthen surveillance of and response to healthcare-associated infections.
- Prevent development and transmission of antimicrobial resistance in healthcare settings.
- Provide leadership, advocacy, and resources on best practices for infection prevention and control in healthcare facilities and antimicrobial stewardship initiatives.
- Coordinate efforts and facilitate communication between healthcare facilities and across public health agencies.
- Act locally according to nationally identified priorities.
Focus Areas
- Infections transmitted in healthcare settings
- Drug-resistant organism surveillance, prevention and containment
- Healthcare worker (HCW) safety, including:
- HCW exposures
- Immunization policies
- Infection prevention and control education
- Antimicrobial stewardship in healthcare settings
- Antibiotic education for the general public
Personnel
- Medical Director, Jane Gould
- Program Manager, Tiina Peritz
- MDRO Prevention Epidemiologist, Michelle Gardner
- MDRO Prevention Coordinator, Bonnie Chaoui
- HAI/AR Epidemiologist, Lea Widemann
- Infection Preventionist, Charlotte Gallagher
- Infection Prevention Coordinator, Celia Sankey
Questions?
Contact us at HAI.PDPH@phila.gov or 215-685-4501.