Free Opportunity for ICUs: Improve VAP/VAE Prevention with AHRQ Safety Program
South Dakota hospitals are encouraged to explore a new opportunity from the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) focused on preventing ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) and ventilator-associated events (VAE).
AHRQ is currently recruiting adult intensive care units (ICUs) for a free nine-month safety program beginning in September 2026. Participating hospitals will receive expert guidance, educational webinars, and one-on-one coaching designed to strengthen infection prevention practices and improve patient safety.
Benefits of participation include:
- Reducing VAP/VAE rates within participating units
- Access to free expert consultation and coaching
- Benchmarking reports comparing progress with similar units
- Enhanced teamwork and communication strategies
- CEU/CME credit opportunities
Eligible participants include U.S.-based acute care hospitals with adult ICUs, a minimum of 50 hospital beds, and at least five beds within the participating unit. Any electronic health record system may be used.
Hospitals interested in learning more are encouraged to attend one of several informational webinars scheduled. To learn more, register for a webinar, or apply for the program, visit the AHRQ Safety Program for HAI Prevention website. safetyprogram4hai-prevention.ahrq.gov.
| Webinar Date | Time |
| Click on embedded link below to register. | |
| Tues, June 23, 2026 | 2:00-2:30pm CT / 1:00-1:30pm MT |
| Tues, July 7, 2026 | 10:30-11:00am CT / 9:30-10:00am MT |
| Thurs, July 23, 2026 | 1-1:30 pm CT / 12-12:30 pm MT |
| Mon, August 3, 2026 | 1:30-2:00pm CT / 12:30-1:00pm MT |
| Thurs, August 13, 2026 | 12:30-1:00pm CT / 11:30am-12:00pm MT |
This no-cost opportunity offers valuable tools and resources to help health care teams strengthen infection prevention efforts while advancing patient safety and quality outcomes. To view the HAI Prevention Flyer- click here.
