CDC project reports public health achievements, including HAI reductions

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention yesterday released a final report on a Winnable Battles project, launched in 2010 to achieve certain public health targets. As of 2014, the results include a 50% decrease in central line-associated bloodstream infections in acute-care hospitals; 36% decrease in healthcare-associated invasive Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus; 24% decrease in catheter-associated urinary tract infections in acute-care hospital wards; 17% decrease in select surgical site infections; and 8% decrease in hospital-onset Clostridium difficile infections. Among other achievements, CDC reports a 45% reduction in cigarette smoking by youth and 27% reduction by adults, and a 46% reduction in the teen birth rate. “Although there is much more to be done, because of the great work of CDC doctors, scientists and public health specialists, and our partners at the federal, state and local levels, in hospitals and health care systems, and in the community, Americans are living longer, healthier lives and avoiding expensive and painful diseases," said CDC Director Tom Frieden, M.D.