APIC Honors Florida Infection Prevention Expert With Its Highest Award

The Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC) announces that Stephen Streed, MS, CIC, FAPIC, system director of epidemiology/infection prevention at Lee Health in Fort Myers, Fla, will receive the prestigious Carole DeMille Achievement Award for his innovative contributions and commitment to education in infection control.
 
The award, which will be presented during the opening session at APIC’s 44th Annual Conference, June 14-16 in Portland, Oregon, is given annually to an infection preventionist (IP) who best exemplifies the ideals of Carole DeMille, a pioneer in the field of infection prevention.
 
“We are honored to recognize Steve with this award,” said Linda Greene, RN, MPS, CIC, FAPIC, 2017 APIC president. “Steve has had an enormous impact on the practice of infection prevention and control, and through his mentoring, coaching, and teaching, has been influential in leading a generation of infection preventionists.”
 
Streed has been active in APIC since joining in the late-1970s, serving in numerous leadership capacities at the local and national levels, including on the APIC Board of Directors and on the editorial board for the American Journal of Infection Control. He was among the first group of IPs to become certified in infection prevention and control (IPC) in 1983. Recognizing the need for increased education in the growing field of IPC, he co-founded and taught some of the earliest hospital epidemiology and certification preparation courses ever offered through APIC and leading academic centers. In addition, he developed courses to teach advanced skills and to reach settings with specific needs such as long-term care.
 
A nationally recognized expert on HAI surveillance, Streed has promoted the use of computers to improve the efficiency of infection prevention data collection since the early 1980s. He also was a member of a multi-society professional group that worked with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to author a pivotal white paper, which was used to inform the creation of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ “National Action Plan to Prevent HAIs.” His research also includes the area of new technologies for improving the cleaning and disinfection of environmental surfaces in healthcare facilities.
 
Streed promotes the profession through teaching, coaching, and mentoring and has consistently supported and encouraged his peers at the local, national, and international level to reach for their potential. He has established the Stephen A. Streed Scholarship in Epidemiology at the University of Iowa College of Public Health. This scholarship is awarded annually to graduate students with a declared interest in Hospital Epidemiology. At the community level he mentors high school and college students to enlighten them on public health careers and share his passion for infection prevention. Streed has been honored by his peers locally and nationally throughout his 40-year career.
 
Source: APIC