The Joint Commission has launched a new Speak Up campaign on infection prevention.

"Speak Up To Prevent Infection" offers free, downloadable materials for consumers and healthcare providers to strengthen patient involvement in their own care. The campaign focuses on ways to prevent the risk and spread of infection. They cover hand hygiene, avoiding others when ill, covering the mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, and keeping vaccinations current.

Educational resources available include an infographic, video and a guide to help providers effectively use the infographic and video as part of their infection prevention program.

The Speak Up program, launched in 2002, is used in more than 70 countries. As an acronym, SPEAK UP stands for:

• Speak up

• Pay attention

• Educate yourself

• Advocates (family members and friends) can help

• Know about your new medicine

• Use a quality health care organization 

• Participate in all decisions about your care

Learn more about Speak Up.