Healthcare-associated infections (HAI) are infections that patients acquire while receiving medical and surgical care.  In 2002 HAIs were associated with an estimated 99,000 deaths and a financial burden of $28 to $33 billion in excess healthcare costs.  The Recovery Act has provided funding to accelerate HAI prevention and the opportunity for public health to become more involved in these activities.  Maryland HAI prevention program achievements in the past year have been accomplished in partnership with infection preventionists, physicians, laboratorians, prevention collaboratives, advisory committees, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

DHMH HAI Resources