At the recent Michigan Society of Hospital Central Service Personnel (MSHCSP) Conference held in Sterling Heights, Mich., Healthmark Industries announced that Mary Velasco is the winner of the IAHCSMM’s 2014 Anne Cofiell Decontaminator of the Year Award. Velasco is the CSSD manager at Henry Ford Macomb Hospital and has more than 35 years of experience in the sterile processing field, including as past-president of MSHCSP.
Mary Velasco is presented the Decontaminator of the Year Award by Healthmark Industries.
Ray Taurasi is presented the Robert Hilbodt Award by MSHCSP president Wilma Wilder.
At the recent Michigan Society of Hospital Central Service Personnel (MSHCSP) Conference held in Sterling Heights, Mich., Healthmark Industries announced that Mary Velasco is the winner of the IAHCSMM’s 2014 Anne Cofiell Decontaminator of the Year Award. Velasco is the CSSD manager at Henry Ford Macomb Hospital and has more than 35 years of experience in the sterile processing field, including as past-president of MSHCSP.
Sponsored by Healthmark Industries, the Anne Cofiell Decontaminator of the Year Award is given out annually by IAHCSMM. This award recognizes an individual that demonstrates exceptional understanding of the importance of decontamination in their workplace environment. The winner receives $1,000 toward expenses to attend the annual IAHCSMM Conference and also receives a commemorative plaque.
Also during the MSCHCSP Conference, Ray Taurasi was presented the Robert Hilbodt Award. The award is named for one of the founding members of the association and is MSHCSP’s way of recognizing industry leaders who have contributed significantly not just to the profession of sterile processing, but also to the Michigan Society.
Taurasi is the Eastern regional director of clinical sales and services for Healthmark Industries. His healthcare career spans over three decades as an administrator, educator, technologist and consultant. His dedication to the healthcare field and community service has won him international recognition and several prestigious awards and a mayoral proclamation of "Ray Taurasi Day" in the city of Boston.
Source: Healthmark Industries Co., Inc.
Unmasking Vaccine Myths: Dr Marschall Runge on Measles, Misinformation, and Public Health Solutions
May 29th 2025As measles cases climb across the US, discredited myths continue to undercut public trust in vaccines. In an exclusive interview with Infection Control Today, Michigan Medicine’s Marschall Runge, PhD, confronts misinformation head-on and explores how clinicians can counter it with science, empathy, and community engagement.
Silent Saboteurs: Managing Endotoxins for Sepsis-Free Sterilization
Invisible yet deadly, endotoxins evade traditional sterilization methods, posing significant risks during routine surgeries. Understanding and addressing their threat is critical for patient safety.
Endoscopes and Lumened Instruments: New Studies Highlight Persistent Contamination Risks
May 7th 2025Two new studies reveal troubling contamination in both new endoscopes and cleaned lumened surgical instruments, challenging the reliability of current reprocessing practices and manufacturer guidelines.
From the Derby to the Decontam Room: Leadership Lessons for Sterile Processing
April 27th 2025Elizabeth (Betty) Casey, MSN, RN, CNOR, CRCST, CHL, is the SVP of Operations and Chief Nursing Officer at Surgical Solutions in Overland, Kansas. This SPD leader reframes preparation, unpredictability, and teamwork by comparing surgical services to the Kentucky Derby to reenergize sterile processing professionals and inspire systemic change.