Infection Prevention Week

By virtue of the authority vested by the Constitution of Virginia in the Governor of the Commonwealth of Virginia, there is hereby officially recognized:

WHEREAS, the health and safety of all Virginians is important to the happiness, prosperity and well-being of our Commonwealth's families and communities; and

WHEREAS, many medical procedures may result in infectious complications, and as there are over 3.5 million emergency department visits and over 800,000 hospital admissions in Virginia each year, the need to prevent such complications is imperative; and

WHEREAS, preventing healthcare-associated infections will help to reduce the risk of occurrence of infection, the burdensome cost of healthcare, and significant morbidity and mortality; and

WHEREAS, prevention of infections can be improved through the diligent adherence to recommended infection control and prevention practices in all healthcare settings; and

WHEREAS, healthcare facilities employ dedicated professionals who advocate for infection prevention every day and who are important to the health and safety of the community by improving the quality and safety of healthcare and in reducing its costs; and

WHEREAS, healthcare facilities and agencies, such as acute care, long term care, assisted living, ambulatory care, in-home care, and the Virginia Department of Health collaborate to protect patients in healthcare facilities across the Commonwealth; and

WHEREAS, Virginians are encouraged to educate themselves on the symptoms and impact of infections and the actions they can take to prevent healthcare-associated infections, thereby reducing the burden of human suffering and disease;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Glenn Youngkin, do hereby recognize October 15-21, 2023, as INFECTION PREVENTION WEEK in the COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA, and I call this observance to the attention of all our citizens.

Governor of Virginia

Proclamations