ARMC Receives Honor Roll Status From California Department of Public Health Healthcare-Associated Infections (HAI) Program

Arrowhead Regional Medical Center (ARMC) has been recognized by the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) Healthcare-Associated Infections (HAI) Program as a top performing facility with its antimicrobial stewardship program (ASP), receiving a Silver Honor Roll designation.

As a Silver Honor Roll designee, and under the leadership of infectious disease specialist Sharon Wang, DO, ARMC meets and exceeds national ASP guidelines for optimal use of antimicrobials, preventing emergence of antimicrobial resistance and C. difficile infections. ARMC’s ASP was evaluated on leadership commitment, accountability, pharmacy expertise, actionable interventions, tracking reports and evaluation, and educating prescribers, among other factors.

Optimizing the use of antibiotics is critical to effectively treat infections and protect patients from harmful antibiotic use. According to the CDC, antibiotic-resistant bacteria and fungi cause more than nearly 3 million infections and nearly 35,000 deaths in the U.S. each year.

“Our team has dedicated time and resources to operate our ASP program to effectively improve antibiotic use, and to ensure we provide the best course of care for ARMC’s patients,” said ARMC Director of Pharmacy Cliff Hiroshige, Pharm.D. “It is rewarding to receive this Honor Roll designation, and we look forward to expanding our program protocols, and further educating not only health care professionals but our community as a whole about optimizing the use of antibiotics.”

Honor Roll members renew their status every two years, providing ASP the opportunity to demonstrate continued effectiveness and to highlight new achievements.