3 Resources for National Handwashing Awareness Week

While we all know handwashing is a simple and effective practice for preventing the spread of infections, we could use a reminder once in a while. That reminder comes this week in the form of National Handwashing Awareness Week, Dec. 1–7. Sponsored by Henry the Hand Foundation, National Handwashing Awareness Week reminds us to be vigilant about handwashing, especially this time of year during cold and flu season.

Here are a few resources to help you and your staff stay informed and tell others about proper hand hygiene and handwashing techniques this week.

• Earlier this year, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) launched Life is Better with Clean Hands, a new national campaign designed to motivate adults to make clean hands part of their daily lives.

• Infection prevention expert, Will Sawyer, M.D., offers letters on the Henry the Hand website to help you promote National Handwashing Awareness Week in your facility or community.

• The Global Handwashing Partnership promotes Global Handwashing Day each October, but resources and information are available all year long to help increase awareness and understanding about the importance of handwashing.