Lunch & Learn: Guidance for the Prevention and Control of Respiratory Illnesses

Infection Prevention Begins with Preparedness

In home health, infection prevention starts with preparedness—having the right knowledge and tools in place to keep patients and caregivers safe.

This session, led by infection prevention experts from the Maryland Department of Health, will cover essential strategies to prevent respiratory illness outbreaks. 

Presentation Objectives:

✔ Disease Descriptions

✔ Key Terms and Definitions

✔ Prevention of Outbreaks in All Settings

✔ Additional Guidance for Prevention of Outbreaks in Healthcare Settings

✔ Additional Guidance for Prevention of Outbreaks in Community Settings

Meet Our Speakers:

        Holly Simpson MSPH CIC is an Infection Prevention and Control Specialist at the Maryland Department of Health where she focuses on MDRO prevention and containment, particularly in outpatient settings. Prior to working at MDH, Ms. Simpson was fortunate to have had diverse experiences working in the public health field, ranging from bioterrorism to environmental and occupational health. For the past 9 years, Ms. Simpson has been focusing on communicable diseases and infection control practices, leading numerous outbreaks in both traditional and non-traditional healthcare settings.

 Daryl Hawkins is a certified Infection Preventionist and currently the MDRO Infection Prevention and Control Lead in the Office of Antibiotic Resistance and Healthcare Associated Infection Response for the Maryland Department of Health. Ms. Hawkins has been a registered nurse for 20 years. She has worked in public health MDRO prevention for the past 5 years.

In addition to her public health experience, she has clinical experience in solid-organ transplant, intensive care units, and home health. Daryl Hawkins also has many years of experience in nursing education, simulation education and training of healthcare professionals.