Press releases from the region 07
September 21st webinar will highlight the new integrated pest management toolkit
September 8, 2021
LENEXA, KAN. (SEPT. 8, 2021) – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Region 7 announces a free webinar to promote Integrated Pest Control Practices (IPM) in healthcare. The webinar follows the publication of the IPM in the EPA’s Health Care Facilities Toolkit. IPM is a proactive, science-based decision-making framework with an emphasis on pest prevention and least toxic control measures.
“The IPM in Health Care Facilities Toolkit is the result of a two-year partnership between EPA experts and the University of Kansas health system,” said EPA Regional 7 Administrator Edward H. Chu. “Working together, we built the toolkit on the experiences we learned in a real health environment. The upcoming webinar is an opportunity for the University of Kansas Health System to share their successful experience with integrated pest management with other hospitals and healthcare facilities in the area and country. “
“Integrated pest management in healthcare facilities is an effective and environmentally conscious approach to pest management,” said Amanda Cackler, RN, director of infection prevention and control for the University of Kansas Health Systems. “IPM is based on a combination of approaches to reduce the populations of disease vectors and public health pests such as bed bugs, scabies and lice. IPM is a comprehensive, systems-based approach that focuses on pest prevention, pest control, and the elimination of conditions that lead to pest infestation.
“IPM not only advocates the efficient use of pest control services to reduce the risk of excessive or inappropriate use of hazardous chemical pest control products, but most importantly prevents inconsistencies and delays in patient care,” she said.
The EPA Chemical Safety and Pollution Office will host the webinar on September 21st. Speakers include University of Kansas Health Systems Infection Prevention Specialist Jill Hardy, BSN, RN; and Brittany Campbell, Ph.D., entomologist and research scientist with the National Pest Management Association. The event includes a 10-minute question-and-answer session.
The webinar will include a discussion of how facilities can support the welfare of sensitive patient populations by implementing an IPM program that limits both pests and pesticides. Webinar content is useful for health care administrators, environmental health and safety specialists, regulators, nutrition services, and infection prevention professionals. IPM approaches can be applied to different types of healthcare facilities, including hospitals, long-term care facilities, outpatient centers, rehabilitation centers, and other outpatient facilities.
Participation is free, but registration is required. Go online to register.
Check out the IPM in the Healthcare Toolkit.
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