Healthcare-Associated Infections & Antimicrobial Resistance

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The Healthcare-Associated Infections and Antimicrobial Resistance (HAI/AR) Program, part of the Division of Clinical Epidemiology, was established at the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) in 2009.   

The HAI/AR Program's mission is to safeguard patients and healthcare staff in Virginia by preventing healthcare-associated and antimicrobial-resistant infections, with the vision of ensuring a safe healthcare environment throughout the state.

What We Do

Surveillance - Monitor the spread of diseases and their changes over time

Investigation - Quickly look into and address infections and outbreaks to stop them from spreading

Communication & Education - Boost knowledge and skills about infection prevention and using antibiotics wisely

Collaboration - Work with stakeholders to share resources and expertise

Meet The Team

HAI/AR Program Manager

Shaina Bernard, PharmD, BCPS - Interim HAI Program Manager

HAI/AR & Antimicrobial Stewardship Unit

Shaina Bernard, PharmD, BCPS - Antimicrobial Resistance & Stewardship Program Manager

  • Victoria Geissinger, MPH - Antimicrobial Stewardship Data Analyst
  • Emily Hawker, MPH - CSTE HAI EPI Fellow
  • Carolyn Kiefer, RN, BSN, CIC - HAI/AR Nurse Epidemiologist
  • Allison O'Rourke, MPH - MDRO Prevention Epidemiologist
  • Emily Valencia, MPH - Antimicrobial Resistance & Stewardship Epidemiologist
  • Jacqueline Williams, MPH - HAI Epidemiologist
  • VACANT - HAI Data Analyst

Infection Prevention and Control Unit

Angela Spleen, PhD - Infection Prevention & Control Program Manager

  • Yassah Bagby, MPH - NHSN Data Validator
  • Suzanne Capps, RN - Dialysis IP Coordinator
  • Andrea Chapman, MPH, CHOP, CIC - Regional Infection Prevention Coordinator
  • Smrithi Chikkala, MBBS, MPH - HAI/AR Communications Specialist
  • Yeo-Jin Lee, MPH, BSN - NHSN Data Validator
  • Victoria Nichols, MPH - Infection Prevention Epidemiologist
  • Ginger Vanhoozer, BSN, RN, CIC - HAI/AR Education & Training Specialist

Programmatic Support

Lindsey Lambert - HAI/AR Program Administration & Grant Coordinator

  • Debra Bennett, BS - HAI/AR Contract Manager
  • Laura Robertson, BS - HAI/AR Administrative Assistant

Contact Us

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Get Updates

Call HAI/AR Team

804-864-8141

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Last Updated: November 13, 2024