Kathleen Meehan Arias Named Recipient of APIC's Carole DeMille Achievement Award

Kathleen Meehan Arias, MS, MT(ASCP), SM(AAM), CIC, of Crownsville, Md. has been named the 2011 recipient of the prestigious Carole DeMille Achievement Award by the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC). The award, which will be presented at the APIC 38th Annual Educational Conference and International Meeting, June 27-29 in Baltimore, is given annually to an infection preventionist who best exemplifies the ideals of Carole DeMille, a pioneer in the field.

"Kathys leadership in infection prevention has changed the face of the practice. We are incredibly proud to recognize her with APICs highest honor," says APIC 2011 president Russell Olmsted, MPH, CIC. "Her extraordinary vision has benefitted not only the profession, but countless patients whose lives were improved or saved."

An infection preventionist for more than 30 years, Arias is director of Arias Infection Control Consulting, LLC. In that role, she uses her many years of expertise to provide comprehensive consultative infection prevention services to healthcare facilities, dental and medical practices, industry and healthcare-related organizations.

Prior to establishing Arias Infection Control Consulting, Arias was manager of infection control at Sinai Hospital of Baltimore. In this role, Arias was known for her outstanding work ethic, ability to build consensus and gain the respect from the entire healthcare team.

A long-time APIC member and leader, Arias is a past president of the APIC board of directors and remains actively involved as an editorial review board member for the American Journal of Infection Control, faculty for APICs Education for the Prevention of Infection (EPI) course, and member of the APIC Greater Baltimore Chapter. Arias is also the recipient of the 2010 Education Committee Special Recognition Award for her contributions to the committee throughout the years. As one of the lead authors for the latest APIC/Joint Commission Workbook, her efforts have helped infection preventionists stay compliant and prepare for surveys.

The late Carole DeMille was among the founders of APIC who later became an internationally recognized authority in the developing field of hospital infection control. She was known for her vision and optimistic approach to present-day infection prevention methods. The award was established in her honor in 1979, following her death.