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U.Va. International Health Care Worker Safety Center Promotes Prevention of Needlestick Injuries

Every year in the United States, more than 800,000 health care workers sustain needlestick or sharp object injuries that put them at risk of contracting HIV and hepatitis B and C. An organization at the University of Virginia is hoping to change this significant public health problem.

U.Va.'s International Health Care Worker Safety Center is dedicated to the prevention of needlestick injuries to health care workers. The only one of its kind in the world, the Center collects and analyzes data from hospitals around the country on needlestick injuries and exposures to health care workers. This data provides valuable information on how these injuries occur and which needle devices present the greatest risk.

In addition to collecting and compiling medical data, the Center has a law and policy section devoted to analyzing current laws that impact health care worker safety and recommending changes in these laws where necessary. Last fall, California passed legislation requiring the use of safety devices to prevent needlestick injuries. Staff members at the Center hope that the California law will serve as a model for states throughout the country.

If you would like more information, please call Janine Jagger or Patti Tereskerz at U.Va.'s International Health Care Worker Safety Center at (804) 924-5159.

January 26, 1999