Hospitals in pursuit of excellence

Hot Springs County Memorial Hospital - Sharps Disposal

The Sharps Disposal Program offers a safe way for diabetics or anyone using medical sharps to dispose of them in a safe way using an approved medical sharps container. Containers may be picked up at the hospital for a one-time fee of $10. They are returned to the emergency department when about three-quarters full, where they are properly disposed of free of charge. Who is it for? Anyone using medical sharps. Why do they do it? A surprise encounter with a used syringe, needle, or other sharp in a playground, park, or at work can provoke intense fears of injury and life-threatening infections, such as HIV and hepatitis B and C. The program is intended to protect against exposure to bloodborne pathogens by preventing such encounters. Impact Approximately 73 individuals have participated in the program. Contact: T.J. Schoenewald, CDM CFPP Food Services Director, Marketing Telephone: (307) 864-3121, ext. 5084 E-mail: tj.schoenewald@mail.hscmh.org

Community Connections is an initiative of the AHA to support and highlight the work hospitals do every day in America.

Hospitals are working not just to mend bodies, but also to make their patients and communities healthier. This work extends far beyond the hospital building – bringing free clinics, job training, smoking-cessation classes, back-to-school immunizations, literacy programs and so many other resources, often with little fanfare, directly to the people of the community.

As the national advocate for hospitals, the AHA has consistently supported our members as they develop fair and compassionate policies to help improve access to care for the uninsured, as they work to expand wellness and prevention activities and as they routinely demonstrate their commitment to improving the health and addressing the unmet needs of their patients and communities.

Hospital members are encouraged to submit their stories today.