Red Cross raises awareness to blood born pathogens

[Guest guest]

http://www.wnct.com/nct/news/local/article/red_cross_raises_awareness_to_blood_b\

orn_pathogens/28529/

Red Cross raises awareness to blood born pathogens

By Arthur Mondale Reporter

Published: January 10, 2009

Medical professionals in the east have a greater risk of being exposed to blood

borne diseases and other ailments. Pitt County’s American Red Cross expanded the

number of classes on blood borne pathogen prevention this year. The state

recently required foster parents to be certified in this area. That could be the

reason for an increase in applicants for these classes. Hepatitis-B,

Hepatitis-C, and HIV are a few of the viruses people can be exposed to. Health

professionals say protection goes beyond just washing your hands for 15 to 20

seconds. “They prepare you to prevent and respond so the best thing is to have

the knowledge to prevent it, so you hopefully don’t have to respond. But if you

do, you know the proper way to do it in a safe way,“ said Toni Heffner, the

Health & Safety Services Director. The Red Cross says the certification is good

for one year. Nurses and childcare professionals can earn continuing education

credit in the process.

[Guest guest]

http://www.wnct.com/nct/news/local/article/red_cross_raises_awareness_to_blood_b\

orn_pathogens/28529/

Red Cross raises awareness to blood born pathogens

By Arthur Mondale Reporter

Published: January 10, 2009

Medical professionals in the east have a greater risk of being exposed to blood

borne diseases and other ailments. Pitt County’s American Red Cross expanded the

number of classes on blood borne pathogen prevention this year. The state

recently required foster parents to be certified in this area. That could be the

reason for an increase in applicants for these classes. Hepatitis-B,

Hepatitis-C, and HIV are a few of the viruses people can be exposed to. Health

professionals say protection goes beyond just washing your hands for 15 to 20

seconds. “They prepare you to prevent and respond so the best thing is to have

the knowledge to prevent it, so you hopefully don’t have to respond. But if you

do, you know the proper way to do it in a safe way,“ said Toni Heffner, the

Health & Safety Services Director. The Red Cross says the certification is good

for one year. Nurses and childcare professionals can earn continuing education

credit in the process.