Rep. Brent recognizes World Hand Hygiene Day

Introduced Patient Hand Hygiene Education Bill to protect health care patients from infections

May 5, 2020

COLUMBUS—Rep. Juanita Brent (D-Cleveland) todayrecognized May 5 as World Hand Hygiene Day. Every year on May 5, World Hand Hygiene Day brings awareness to the importance of adhering to proper hand hygiene practices.

Last week, Brent introduced the Patient Hand Hygiene Education Bill, legislation that would provide educational materials regarding proper hand hygiene to hospital patients and long-term care residents of health facilities. Given the current COVID-19 pandemic, Brent’s bill could not have come at a better time.

“Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic occurring, it was brought to my attention just how lacking proper hand hygiene is at health care facilities,” said Rep. Brent. “I have received great guidance from infectious disease specialists while crafting this legislation. I am certain this bill will help decrease the spread of disease and infections.”

The main goals of the World Hand Hygiene Day campaign by the World Health Organization include:

Making hand hygiene a global priority;
Inspiring hand hygiene and behavior change;
Engaging with health care workers in their role in clean care and the prevention of infections.

Brent’s Patient Hand Hygiene Education Bill aims to contribute to all of these goals.