Organizations Join Forces to Sponsor Infectious Diseases Conference

OAKBROOK TERRACE, Ill. -- The fast spread of diseases such as SARS and avian flu across borders and continents will be the focus of the international conference, Think Globally, Act Locally: An International Conference on Infections that Have No Boundaries, Sept. 8-9, 2005 at Hotel Nikko in San Francisco.

For the first time, the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology, Inc. (APIC), Joint Commission Resources (JCR), and its international division, Joint Commission International (JCI), are joining forces to bring together leading infection control and public health professionals to examine the rapid spread of emerging and reemerging pathogens. Recent outbreaks of SARS and avian flu, along with the reemergence of other infectious diseases, demonstrate how easily even the most advanced health care systems can be crippled. Participants and faculty will engage in a consensus-building decision process to define the essential actions that must be taken globally, locally and organizationally to help prevent, identify, and control the spread of infectious disease. Experts will define innovative and common infection control solutions, such as early alert systems, proper use of antimicrobial agents, and hand washing that represent the best methods to control the spread of infections. Professionals from different treatment settings will learn how they can work together to protect health care workers, patients, and the public, while business executives will learn critical factors that can protect their employees working around the world. 

Preventing infections from spreading across the world is one of the most critical tasks we face in healthcare today. This conference is important in meeting that goal because it facilitates the interaction of experts from around the world to devise far-reaching, yet practical solutions, says Karen H. Timmons, chief executive officer of JCR.

Infection control practitioners are on the frontlines in the battle against emerging and reemerging diseases. We welcome the opportunity to partner with the Joint Commission to raise awareness and find solutions that will protect populations around the world, says Kathy L. Warye, APICs executive director.

The cost of the conference is $475 per participant for APIC members and for participants who register before June 30. Attendees who are not members of APIC, or who register after June 30, pay $575. For more information or to register for the conference, visit the JCR Web site at www.jcrinc.com.