2016 Decontaminator of the Year Award Winner is Announced
At the recent International Association of Healthcare Central Service Materiel Management (IAHCSMM) conference held in San Antonio, Texas, Healthmark Industries Co., Inc. announced Patricia Pabon as the winner of the IAHCSMM’s 2016 Anne Cofiell Decontaminator of the Year Award. Pabon is the certified registered central sterile technician at St. John’s Riverside Hospital and has spent the last five years working in the sterile processing field.
Sponsored by Healthmark, 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 to achieve proper reprocessing of medical devices. The winner receives $1,000 toward expenses to attend the annual IAHCSMM conference and also receives a commemorative plaque.
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.
