The Leapfrog Group, an independent nonprofit focused on patient safety, released its fall 2024 Hospital Safety Grade, evaluating nearly 3,000 hospitals on their ability to prevent medical errors, accidents, and infections.

Since Leapfrog reported Hospital Safety Grades in fall 2022, when healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) rates were at their highest peak since 2016, average HAI scores have declined dramatically. The report found:  

• Central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSI) decreased by 38%.
• Catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTI) decreased by 36%.  
• Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) decreased by 34%.

As Leapfrog detailed in its 2024 Hand Hygiene Report, since Leapfrog began public reporting of a tough new standard for hand hygiene in 2020, the percentage of hospitals achieving the standard has soared from 11% to 78%.

Regarding national performance trends, for fall 2024, Utah ranks No. 1 with the highest percentage of “A” hospitals for the third cycle in a row, followed by Virginia and Connecticut. The latest grades also show hospitals are making progress in patient safety across several performance measures including notable improvements in healthcare-associated infections, hand hygiene, and medication safety.

Starting today and continuing through Thursday, professionals from the commercial, institutional, and residential cleaning communities are gathering in Las Vegas at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center for ISSA Show North America 2024.

Embracing its theme, Beyond Clean: Explore, Innovate, and Elevate, the annual tradeshow is designed to deliver impactful solutions to the global cleaning industry. Attendees will have the opportunity to keep up with industry trends, learn more about the latest technologies, and connect with thought leaders from around the world.

This year’s show includes more than 640 exhibitors, counting over 137 new exhibitors, from across the entire cleaning ecosystem. Additionally, more than 170 educational sessions will take place across three pavilions this week.

Education is the focus of today’s offerings, with over 40 sessions taking place throughout the day. Topic tracks include business growth strategies; distributor, ESG and sustainability; facilities operations and maintenance; leadership, career, and talent development; residential; technology and innovation; and thought leadership. Additionally, the Spanish language track will offer four sessions today, two on Tuesday, and three on Wednesday.

Certification workshops, including ISSA Cleaning Industry Management Standard (CIMS) and Indoor Environmental Healthcare and Hospitality Association (IEHA) certifications, are also taking place today. Check out the online ISSA show planner for specific times and locations for all of today’s sessions.

At 4:30 p.m. PT today, you have your choice of attending the Residential Roundtables or the ISSA Show Happy Hour. And between 6:00 and 10:00 p.m., you’ll want to be on hand for IEHA’s 2024 Housekeeping Olympics.

During the week, be sure to also make time for the show’s awards recognition events. Tomorrow at 9:00 a.m., attend the ISSA Spotlight Event and Awards. ISSA will honor industry achievers with a special awards presentation, including the ISSA Honorary Lifetime Achievement Award, Jack D. Ramaley Industry Distinguished Service Award, Manufacturer Representatives’ Distinguished Service Award, ISSA NextGen Rising Star Award in Honor of Jimmy Core, and Emerging Leaders.

On Wednesday at 5:15 p.m., ISSA Hygieia Network’s Awards Reception will feature networking with industry leaders and Hygieia’s annual recognition awards, including Rising Star of the Year, Member of the Year, and Company of the Year, Ally of the Year, International Member of the Year, and Mentor of the Year. With more than 900 attendees last year, it is sure to be one of the most well-attended and impactful events at ISSA Show North America 2024!. And on Thursday at 12:15 p.m., attend the announcement of the Industry Choice Awards.

To make sure you don’t miss a thing while at the show, be sure to check out the online ISSA Show Planner and create an account. By doing so, you’ll be able to view all the available offerings, decide what you’ll see and do, and plan your time at the show.

Be sure to also follow CMM’s online news throughout the week to read more about ISSA Show North America 2024 and its highlights.