Alaska's Midnight Sun Chapter of the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC) received a 2023 Annual Chapter Award last week at APIC's annual conference held in Orlando, Florida. Aayushi Chheda, an infection preventionist from Providence Alaska Medical Center and Chapter President, attended the conference and Chapter Leader Day and accepted the award on behalf of her colleagues from Alaska.
APIC Chapters provide programs, resources, and networking groups to help their members achieve higher levels of competence and connection. They develop strong leaders through mentorship and local volunteer opportunities and advocate for infection prevention issues.
The Chapter Excellence Award recognizes programs across the U.S. that either launched or were updated in the last year. These innovative programs serve local members and support APIC’s mission and strategic plan. Each award recipient receives $500 in APIC products and services, and an opportunity to share their submission with other chapter leaders.
"I am so appreciative and grateful for AHHA's travel support that allowed me to attend this event in person," Aayushi said following her return. "Being able to attend Chapter Leader Day and participate in discussions with other chapter leaders was invaluable! I got so many ideas and resources to support the chapter leadership and hopefully, in turn, our membership. Receiving the chapter excellence award for small chapter on behalf of the APIC Midnight Sun Chapter was a proud moment for me. It really showcased all the hard work, dedication, and effort put in by the leaders and members to keep this chapter going strong. I came back inspired, and the experience boosted my love for the work we do in the Infection prevention world. This experience was especially needed after the despair and rollercoaster of emotions the pandemic has put us through."
Over the past year, the APIC Midnight Sun Chapter conducted a needs assessment of IP community and Midnight Sun chapter members to identify needs and serve better, and held chapter meetings and discussions on the following education sessions/topics:
Wellness education session with Brandy Stratman
MDROs with Anna Frick in Alaska
Rashes with Bonnie Barnard
Hand Hygiene: Just in time training
TB in Alaska by Department of Health Dr. Michelle Rothoff
Public health emergency & project first line resources
Congratulations to Aayushi and the Midnight Sun Chapter!