Across the state, institutions observed Patient Safety Week through special events and gatherings. The following institutions submitted their events for a round-up.
CHCF informs staff for Patient Safety Week
California Health Care Facility (CHCF) Quality Management Support Unit (QMSU) hosted a booth for Patient Safety Week. The booth provided an opportunity to greet staff coming and leaving their work shift. QMSU spoke with staff on ways they could improve patient diagnosis. Staff received a free raffle ticket in hopes to win a prize.
CHCF’s Chief Executive Officer Dr. Anu Banerjee and Chief Quality Officer Katie Kidwell presented the Patient Safety Champion certificate to Health Program Specialist Suda Soodsaard.
Submitted by Katie Kidwell, Health Program Manager III
CIW holds poster contest
California Institution for Women (CIW) in Chino held a Patient Safety Week contest poster contest. Contest winner S. Carlson is shown with CEO James Elliot.
Submitted by Danielle Zambrano, Health Program Manager III
CRC highlights patient-centered care
California Rehabilitation Center (CRC) at Norco observed Patient Safety Awareness Week by introducing a week’s worth of integrated purpose-driven activities highlighting how CRC provides sustainable effective patient-centered care. Activities were scheduled throughout the week for all staff to participate. These included patient safety word searches, electronic scavenger hunts, and games.
Additionally, CRC’s Quality Management (QM) team along with other healthcare stakeholders hosted a staff-focused Patient Safety Fair as well as a fair for incarcerated persons.
The fair provided individuals with information and resources to help them participate in their care. CRC’s Quality Management Support Unit (QMSU) curated booths with the following activities:
- CDCR Forms – Focusing on how to properly complete a CDCR 7362 Health Care Services Request Form
- Integrated Substance Use Disorder Treatment (ISUDT) booth included demonstrations on how to properly administer Narcan.
- Hand hygiene station demonstrated proper hand washing.
- Dental staff demonstrated how to properly brush teeth. Booth included toothbrush and toothpaste giveaway.
CEO Dr. M. Nasir and acting Warden L. Quiroz were appreciative of CRC QMSU Team achievements and the interactive booths.
Submitted by Harrison Glin, Community Resources Manager
CTF hosts first Patient Health and Resources Fair
The Correctional Training Facility (CTF) at Soledad recently hosted its first Patient Health and Resources Fair as part of Patient Safety Week. This event aimed to provide the incarcerated population with important health information and resources, following the principles of the California Model which seeks to mirror community events inside the prison setting.
Over two days, attendees engaged with informational resources, games and prizes, adding an element of community spirit and participation. The fair featured various booths, including the Integrated Substance Use Disorder Treatment (ISUDT) offering program information and sign-up options, and California Prison Industry Authority which shared food samples. Additional booths covered topics like heat plan safety, vaccine information, cancer screening, mental health, Friends Outside Program, medical records, healthcare grievances, hand hygiene, and diabetes management.
“Hopefully this can help the population make better decisions to improve their health,” said Carissa McCann, CTF Health Program Manager III.
Warden Edward J. Borla praised the event’s impact.
“Events like these are vital in fostering a sense of community and proactive health management among the incarcerated,” he said. “They are an essential part of our commitment to rehabilitation and wellbeing.”
Due to its success, CTF is considering making this an annual event. Additionally, plans already in motion for another fair in fall 2025.
Submitted by Lt. Wil Landrum
Wasco promotes health during Patient Safety Week
As part of Patient Safety Week at Wasco State Prison, Quality Management spoke to the population about being an active participant in their health.
Nurse instructors demonstrated CPR techniques and informed attendees Wasco prison will begin offering CPR training for the population starting in April 2025.
The pharmacy unit also provided valuable information on medication side effects, while dietitians shared insights on portion control and heathier alternatives to heavily processed canteen foods.
Together, these sessions aimed to empower individuals to take charge of their health and well-being.
Submitted by Josi Sanchez, acting Chief Support Executive
Compiled by Lynn Hua, digital communications analyst
California Correctional Health Care Services
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