IAHTM 2018 Annual Meeting Recap

The International Association for Healthcare Textile Management (IAHTM) held its 2018 Annual Meeting recently in Naples, FL, which culminated with members, guests, presenters and sponsors commemorating the organization’s 50^th anniversary during a red-carpet event that included a celebration dinner and the presentation of two lifetime achievement awards, according to a news release.

IAHTM President Myles Noel noted a record turnout for the event. “Nicole Grubich and her team put together a full educational schedule complete with learning and networking opportunities and some exciting surprises.” Noel is CEO, Central Ohio Medical Textiles (COMTEX), Columbus, OH. Grubich is 2^nd VP, IAHTM; she is executive director, West Michigan Shared Hospital Laundry, Grand Rapids, MI.

The meeting featured a variety of speakers presenting on a range of relevant industry topics. “IAHTM’s motto is, ‘Connect, Engage, Succeed,’ and we were again this year pleased to be able to provide attendees an opportunity to meet others, network and learn,” Noel said.

Educational programs included:

A presentation of IAHTM benchmarking results

A presentation on a new testing program from the Healthcare Laundry Accreditation Council

A presentation on building a disinfection prevention program

A presentation on bleaching and hygienically clean in the healthcare wash process

A presentation on healthcare benefit trends

A presentation on practical strategies for managing growing risk

A presentation on providing linen management quality to JC standards

A panel discussion reviewing industry linen and equipment

A presentation on sales and leadership

 
IAHTM recognized Steve Ripley and Alan Schwartz as “2018 Lifetime Achievement” recipients. Ripley is past president of Space Coast Hospital Services Inc., Rockledge, FL. Schwartz is recently retired as president of Superior Uniform Group, Seminole, FL.