Community News (V14-I36)

National “Hand Hygiene Leadership Award” Presented to Dr. Blal Zafar

Blal Zafar, MD, a hospitalist at River Park Hospital in McMinnville, Tenn., was one of six physicians in the country to receive the Lathem Physician Leadership Award in Hand Hygiene from Proventix Systems of Birmingham, according to a press note from the Capella Health Care system.

The 2012 recipients are recognized as dedicated leaders of change within their facilities and provide outstanding examples of excellence in leadership and hand hygiene to patients, visitors and staff members.

Created in honor of Dr. Mickey Lathem of Birmingham’s Shelby Baptist Medical Center, the Lathem Award recognizes high-quality, compassionate care to patients through exemplary hand hygiene practices. He or she demonstrates quality through personal compliance and vocal, active leadership. This year’s winners continue to provide guidance in hand hygiene and ensure routine interaction with their staff while providing education and reminders of the importance of hand washing to reduce and prevent infections.

Effective hand hygiene helps combat healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) that, in the United States, affect about one in every 20 patients, and kill and estimated 100,000 people each year. Physicians and healthcare workers recognize that proper hand-hygiene can have a substantial impact on the reduction of infections and result in increased safety for patients, healthcare workers and themselves. Leadership, like that provided by this year’s Lathem Award recipients, is a critical key to combating HAIs and saving lives.
Nominations for the Lathem Award were made by colleagues who observed the nominee’s leadership and quality practices.

Renowned Muslim Canadian artist is no more

TORONTO,CA–Dr. Ibrahim Shalaby, a prominent Muslim artist in the North American Art scene, passed away on August 27, 2012. His death is being deeply mourned by all those who came in contact with him. A permanent participant in Muslim art festivals and events he used to leave his admirers in awe and wonder with his live demonstrations.

His art was also popular in the Middle East. Dr. Shalaby, was born in Amman in 1956 and was of Palestinian origin. Despite living in North America he always longed for Jerusalem and this yearning is well captured in many of his works.

Bangladeshi students hold Eid celebration at UT

ARLINGTON,TX–The Bangladeshi Students Association at the University of Texas-Arlington hosted a well attended Eid celebration. To many students away from home this proved to be a great to connect with the larger community.

Members of the student organization played violin and the guitar in a unique arrangement called ‘ called “Viva La Bhalobhasha Hoedown’ reported the Shorthorn student newspaper.

Extension granted to Lombard mosque

CHICAGO,IL–The Dupage County Board, through an overwhelming majority decision, gave the Muslim Comminity Association Western Suburbs an extra eight months to finish their mosque construction project. The Muslim association members had requested a 12 month extension. They had cited their inability to raise funds until they had received county permission and weather related factors as reasons behind the delay.

The board in its its decision stated that the eight months extension is ample time to complete the project. However, the Muslim association can request a further extension provided that they show some movement on the project.

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