Spring Application Cycle Still Open for Antimicrobial Stewardship Honor Roll
The Illinois Dept. of Public Health (IDPH) Division of Patient Safety and Quality is reminding those interested that the application cycle for the Acute Care Antimicrobial Stewardship Honor Roll is open through June 30. This program recognizes hospitals that demonstrate excellence in implementing evidence-based practices of antimicrobial stewardship.
Click here to access an updated guidance document outlining the application process. IHA recently hosted a webinar in partnership with IDPH outlining the application process. You can access the recording here (password: AMSHonorRoll0319).
New applicants can apply using the application found here. Please email DPH.Antimicrobial.stewardship@illinois.gov for questions or returning applicants interested in applying for an upgrade and have not received your facility-specific application link.
FDA Issues EUA for Generic OTC Drug for New World Screwworm in Dogs, Cats
The Food and Drug Administration today issued an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) for generic Nitenpyram Tablets (nitenpyram) for the treatment of New World screwworm (NWS) infestations (myiasis) in dogs, puppies, cats, and kittens that weigh at least 2 pounds and are at least four weeks old. This is the first generic animal drug authorized for use against NWS.
FDA has concluded that, based on the totality of the scientific evidence available, it is reasonable to believe that Nitenpyram Tablets may be effective in the treatment of NWS myiasis in certain dogs, puppies, cats, and kittens, and the known and potential benefits of the product outweigh its known and potential risks.
NWS flies lay eggs in open wounds or mucous membranes of mammals and the larvae hatch within hours and burrow into the animal’s flesh. Nitenpyram works quickly, killing most NWS larvae within hours of the first dose. Pet owners should administer a second dose six hours after the first. Because the effects are short-acting, Nitenpyram Tablets do not prevent NWS myiasis or protect against reinfestation. Nitenpyram Tablets are available over the counter and come in two tablet sizes: 11.4 and 57 mg. Dosage is based on a dog’s or cat’s weight. For more information, click here.
Pinckneyville Community Hospital to Host Healthcare Marketing/PR Event
The Illinois Society for Healthcare Marketing and Public Relations (ISHMPR) will host a networking meetup on June 23 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at Pinckneyville Community Hospital in Pinckneyville.
The event is an opportunity to connect with peers, exchange ideas, and collaborate on the challenges and opportunities shaping healthcare marketing and public relations today.
The event is free and open to both ISHMPR members and non-members. Lunch will be provided to all attendees courtesy of Cork Tree Creative.
For more information about ISHMPR or to register for this event and other upcoming events, click here.
The Infectious Respiratory Disease Surveillance Dashboard from the Illinois Dept. of Public Health (IDPH) provides the latest data on hospital visits, seasonal trends, lab test positivity and demographic data. IDPH also tracks COVID-19, influenza and respiratory syncytial virus information through the Illinois Wastewater Surveillance System dashboard.
Briefly Noted
This week, the U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services (HHS), through the Elder Justice Coordinating Council (EJCC), announced the Federal Elder Justice Action Plan, a government-wide strategy to protect older Americans’ rights, strengthen accountability, and make help easier to find. The announcement also launches “Never EVER,” a national campaign that advances the Action Plan’s prevention goals by helping people recognize and avoid government and business imposter scams. Chaired by the HHS Secretary, the EJCC brings together 17 federal departments and agencies to strengthen collaboration, advance elder justice nationwide, and protect older adults’ dignity, independence, and financial security.
Leading the News
340B program: Hospital discount drug reform plan heads to Pritzker
WAND TV
A plan heading to Gov. JB Pritzker's desk could help lower drug prices by regulating 340B contracts. The 340B drug pricing program was created in 1992 to improve access to care at safety-net hospitals and clinics. It helps low-income and uninsured patients get critical medications, but state hospital leaders believe Big Pharma has limited access to medications, as 340Bs can only sign one pharmaceutical contract.
OB-GYN group makes vaccine recommendations for the first time
AP News
A prominent OB-GYN group announced vaccine recommendations on Wednesday that differ from what the U.S. government advises. The immunization schedule is specifically for pregnant, postpartum and breastfeeding women. It aligns with prior recommendations from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, before changes were made under the Trump administration and Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
This little-known anxiety disorder quieted my childhood. But it didn’t define me.
Chicago Sun-Times
As a journalist, I constantly speak to people. Strangers. People who might be very upset with me. Others who might be thrilled to talk with me. Admittedly, it can be very scary. That’s because, growing up, talking was something that only happened at home and only around my immediate family.
