Methodist Mansfield Medical Center and 3M Infection Prevention Division provided hand sanitizer to every classroom in the Mansfield Independent School District (MISD), as well as sponsored a poster contest that promotes the importance of hand hygiene.

On Thursday, March 4, 2010, Dr. Bob Morrison, MISD superintendent, Laura Irvine, president of Methodist Mansfield, and Lori Hays, 3M Infection Prevention representative — along with 3M Infection Prevention Division’s hand mascot (pictured at right) — will distribute hand sanitizer and conduct a hand hygiene demonstration at Carol Holt Elementary School, 7321 Ledbetter Road in Arlington.

Nearly 4,000 bottles of hand sanitizer will be distributed to teachers and school nurses throughout the district. The 3M™ Avagard™ D Instant Hand Antiseptic with Moisturizers effectively kills bacteria and sanitizes hands between hand washings or when soap and water are not readily available or convenient.

Seasonal flu typically peaks in February and March and can last until May. “We could still see additional cases of seasonal flu and H1N1 strains at the hospital, and prevention is crucial,” Irvine explains. “We are pleased that 3M Infection Division is helping us curb the spread of influenza and other communicable diseases by encouraging teachers and students to protect themselves by keeping their hands clean. Frequent hand washing is a powerful way to fight against the spread of infectious diseases and germs.”

Poster contest

Additionally, Methodist Mansfield invites all MISD elementary, intermediate, and middle schools to submit one poster design per school that shows the importance of hand washing. The deadline is 4 p.m. on Friday, April 9, 2010. The winning posters from the elementary, intermediate, and middle schools will be announced at the MISD board meeting Tuesday, April, 27, 2010, at 7 pm. The schools that submitted the winning posters will each receive a commemorative award certificate and a check for $300.

The poster contest and proper hand hygiene campaign are part of Methodist Mansfield’s continued commitment to provide the community with quality health care and health and safety education.

People can reduce their risk of disease by ensuring proper hand hygiene:

Before touching eyes, nose, and mouth
After blowing nose, coughing, or sneezing
Before eating or handling food
After using the restroom
After touching contaminated objects or environments
Before and after treating a cut or wound

How to use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer:

Rub product over all surfaces of hands and fingers until hands are dry

How to wash your hands with soap and water:

Wet hands with warm water
Apply ample soap and lather
Rub palm to palm and backs of hands
Interlace fingers, rings, thumbs, and wrists
Scrub under nails
Continue 15-20 seconds (sing the “Happy Birthday” song twice)
Rinse well
Dry with single use towel, and use the towel to turn off water