APIC Chapters: The Local Source of Support and Connection for Infection Preventionists

“Now more than ever, health care facilities need team members educated to prevent adverse outcomes such as health care–acquired infections in patients and residents…. This program is targeted to nurses and other health care providers concerned with infection prevention and control [IPC] in a variety of care settings.” Thus reads the pamphlet for the conference held on May 15, 2024—the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC) Chapter 093 Northwest Ohio¹ Spring Conference at The University of Toledo Medical Center in Ohio.

The conference, which had 60 attendees and 33 vendors, featured presentations on topics such as bed bug basics; collaborating with sterile processing for safer surgery; annual infection prevention risk assessment; and an live interactive demonstration, informatics, and epidemiology and infection prevention practices for novel multidrug-resistant organisms. Continuing education and continuing medical education credits were available for those who attended the entire day.

Conferences like these occur all over the US and the world, presented by local and regional APIC chapters.²

APIC is a leading organization that supports these essential roles, offering resources, education, and advocacy for those in the field.³ Although APIC’s national presence is strong, the value of its local chapters cannot be overstated. Joining a local APIC chapter offers numerous benefits, from networking opportunities to professional development, and is an excellent way to stay engaged and current in this ever-evolving field.

“Chapters are the lifeblood of APIC,” Devin A. Jopp, EdD, APIC’s CEO, told Infection Control Today (ICT). “They offer the opportunity for IPs [infection preventionists] to network, find support and community, and grow professionally. Active participation in APIC chapters helps members develop leadership skills for professional growth within APIC and enables them to tap a wealth of local experience and wisdom to aid them in their own careers.”

Networking and Community Building

One of the most significant advantages of joining a local APIC chapter is networking with other professionals in your area. Infection control and prevention can sometimes isolate professionals, particularly in smaller health care settings. Being part of a local chapter connects you with a community of like-minded individuals who share your challenges and goals. These connections can lead to valuable collaborations, mentoring relationships, and lifelong friendships.

“As an infection prevention professional in this thriving [metro Atlanta] environment, I believe having a local network of like-minded colleagues is an absolute must,” Lori Goraczewski, BSN, RN, CIC, a Greater Atlanta Chapter of APIC member, told ICT. “Access to national APIC resources and having the CDC in our backyard have distinct advantages, but my local Greater Atlanta APIC Chapter 025 offers another layer of collaboration. When you know the faces, when you’ve driven by their workplace, when you’ve shared a meal with these neighbors, it allows for a comfort in transparency to share struggles and successes.”

Jessica Arias, MHL, BSN, RN, CIC, FAPIC, a member of Chapters 011 Southern New Jersey and 021 Northern New Jersey Infection Control Assessment and Response Unit Lead Trenton, New Jersey, told ICT, “As an IP in public health, the local APIC chapters have helped me establish relationships and build trust with IPs throughout New Jersey. Networking at meetings and communicating in our online community has been invaluable and supports the rapid dissemination of critical public health information on [IPC].”

Rochelle Beard, MSN, RN, CPN, CIC, CPHQ, a member of Kentuckiana APIC Chapter 042, agrees. “Local APIC chapters are important because they bring IPs together in an atmosphere that isn’t blocked by the walls of our health care facilities. Chapters support an all-learning environment where we can openly discuss IPC issues, share innovative ideas, and make a friend or two in the process.” Beard is also an infection preventionist at the Kentucky Hospital Association in Louisville, Kentucky.

Local chapters regularly host meetings, workshops, and social events where members can exchange ideas, discuss best practices, and learn from one another. This sense of community is invaluable, as it provides a support system that can help you navigate the complexities of your role and stay motivated in your work.

“Local chapters are important because they provide an opportunity for solitary IP practitioners to network with other IP professionals and receive mentorship, coaching, and support,” said David Avalos, MSN, APRN, AGCNS-BC, CIC, FAPIC, a chapter director of APIC North Carolina Chapter 004 and an IP at Novant Health Presbyterian Medical Center in Charlotte, North Carolina. “Larger facilities have an advantage of having multiple IPs on a team. Unfortunately, smaller community IP professionals do not have the same luxury.”

“The Greater Atlanta APIC Chapter 025 offers a robust website with many linked resources,” said Goraczewski, also an infection prevention consultant for Smart Infection Prevention Solutions, LLC. “Both in-person and virtual meetings with learning opportunities for continuing education or infection prevention units are held monthly. Social events are also coordinated for networking. Career opportunities are shared, study groups are offered for certification preparation, and scholarships are awarded through the Greater Atlanta APIC Chapter to support professional development. I highly recommend membership in a local APIC chapter to better serve the community and grow in this discipline.”

Access to Localized Education and Resources

Although APIC provides extensive resources and educational opportunities at the national level, local chapters offer tailored programs that address the specific needs and concerns of professionals in your region. This localized approach ensures that the information and strategies you learn directly apply to the unique challenges you face in your area.

“Local chapters are important because they can provide excellent opportunities for social connection between IPs and encourage important mentoring relationships between experienced and novice IPs,” said Marie Moss, MPH, BSN, RN, CIC, CPHQ, FAPIC, a member of APIC’s Greater New York Chapter 013 and North Carolina Chapter 004, and the director of IPC at NYC Health + Hospitals/Bellevue.

Local chapters often organize continuing education sessions, webinars, and workshops that focus on current trends and issues in infection control and epidemiology. These events enhance your knowledge and skills and count toward maintaining your certification as an infection control professional. Staying current with the latest developments in the field is crucial, and local chapters make it easier by bringing these opportunities directly to you.

Advocacy and Leadership Opportunities

Joining a local APIC chapter opens the door to leadership and advocacy opportunities. Whether you are interested in serving on a committee, organizing events, or contributing to policy discussions, local chapters provide a platform for you to make a meaningful impact. Leadership roles within your chapter can help you develop new skills, expand your professional network, and increase your visibility within the infection control community.

For example, at the APIC 2024 Annual Conference and Expo, the APIC Northwest Ohio Chapter 093 was honored with the Chapter Excellence Award. Brenda Naylor, MSN, RN, CIC, the president of the Northwest Ohio APIC Chapter in 2024 and a cochair of the Northwest Ohio APIC Chapter Conference held in Toledo, outlined the initiatives that led to this recognition. These initiatives included increasing chapter participation, mentorship programs, conducting hybrid meetings, aligning the mission/vision statement with the national organization, and developing and sharing newsletters on the chapter’s website.

Local chapters also play a crucial role in advocating for public health policies at the local and state levels. By being involved, you can help shape the direction of infection control initiatives and ensure that policy makers hear the voices of health care professionals.

Professional Development and Career Advancement

Membership in a local APIC chapter is a significant asset to your professional development and career advancement. Through the chapter, you will have access to job postings, career fairs, and other resources to help you advance in your career. Additionally, your connections through your chapter can lead to new job opportunities, mentorship, and professional references.

An example of collaboration and mentorship comes from the APIC chapters in New York. “This year [2024], 3 APIC chapters in New York State (NYS; 013, 038, 111) are sponsoring a hybrid conference on October 9, 2024. For the past 3 years, the NYS APIC joint conference committee has allowed different larger and smaller chapters to collaborate on conference planning activities, learning from each other and sharing resources,” Diana Yacoub, MPA, BSN, RN, CIC, CPHQ, president of APIC Greater New York Chapter 013, told ICT. “Chapter 013, for the past few years, has used networking to enhance member engagement, hosting informal networking and community service events to connect members, share interests, and build a stronger, more engaged chapter.”

Many local chapters also offer scholarships or grants to members pursuing further education or attending national conferences. These opportunities can help you continue your education and stay at the forefront of the field without financial strain.

Moss, who also serves as the director of IPC at NYC Health + Hospitals/Bellevue, said, “They are also centers for ongoing education and professional advancement in [IPC]. Local chapters help disseminate information from national APIC and local, state, and federal agencies and foster a greater understanding of any new or changed guidance and how these should be implemented in their facilities.”

Encouragement to Join

Joining a local APIC chapter is not just about professional growth—it is about being part of a community that shares your passion for infection control and epidemiology. Whether you are a seasoned professional or new to the field, your local chapter can provide the support, education, and opportunities you need to succeed.

“Since joining APIC, I have been a member of my local APIC chapter, called APIC Bay Area,” said Isis Lamphier, MPH, CIC, who is on ICT’s Editorial Advisory Board and the board of directors of her APIC chapter, serving as the webmaster and director of social media. “My local APIC chapter has been a valuable resource to me, and it has been helpful to meet and network with infection preventionists who live and work in my community. Besides our monthly meetings, we are in frequent communication to discuss infection prevention recommendations or the patients we transfer between our facilities.” Lamphier is also the manager of IPC at Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa, Florida.

In an era where infection control is more critical than ever, staying connected and engaged with peers is essential. By joining a local APIC chapter, you will enhance your professional journey and contribute to a broader effort to improve health care quality and safety.

“Local chapters are important because they provide an opportunity for solitary IP practitioners to network with other IP professionals and receive mentorship, coaching, and support,” said David Avalos, MSN, APRN, AGCNS-BC, CIC, FAPIC, a chapter director of APIC North Carolina Chapter 004 and an IP at Novant Health Presbyterian Medical Center in Charlotte, North Carolina. “Larger facilities have an advantage of having multiple IPs on a team. Unfortunately, smaller community IP professionals do not have the same luxury.”

Join your local APIC chapter today to invest in your career and community.3 Use APIC’s Chapter Map4 to find a local chapter and connect with other professionals. To find your local chapter, contact APIC member services at 202-789-1890, option 1, or via email at apicmembership@apic.org.

In addition to her work with the Ohio Northwest Chapter, Naylor is a system infection preventionist in the CR-RISQS Department for ProMedica in Toledo, Ohio. She summed up why she joined her local chapter and why you should, too. “Belonging to the Northwest Ohio APIC chapter offers valuable support and education to its members. The membership also provides opportunities for fellowship and sharing among professionals, fostering a sense of community and collaboration in the field. This network not only enhances knowledge but also builds strong
professional relationships.”

References

1. Home. APIC Northwest Ohio. Accessed August 27, 2024. https://community.apic.org/northwestohio/home

2. Home. Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology. Accessed August 27, 2024. https://apic.org/

3. Chapters. Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology. Accessed August 27, 2024. https://apic.org/member-services/chapters/

4. Chapter map. Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology. Accessed August 27, 2024. https://apic.org/member-services/chapters/chapter-map/