News - January 11, 2024

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: January 11, 2024

CONTACT: Zoë McMahon 703-405-1895 | Zoe.McMahon@finnpartners.com

Goodwin Living Announces Participation in New Health Initiative with the Fairfax County Health Department

Goodwin House Bailey’s Crossroads Senior Living Community to Participate in Strengthening Antimicrobial Stewardship in Skilled Nursing Facilities Program

(Fairfax County, Va.) – Today, Goodwin Living, a faith-based, not-for-profit senior living and healthcare services organization in the National Capital Region, announced that one of its three senior living communities, Goodwin House Bailey’s Crossroads, will participate in the Fairfax County Health Department’s Strengthening Antimicrobial Stewardship for Skilled Nursing Facilities Program (SASS). SASS seeks to support skilled nursing facilities in the Fairfax Health District with the goals of strengthening infrastructure, capabilities and effectiveness of Antimicrobial Stewardship Programs; taking action to reduce unnecessary antibiotics; and educating nursing staff, residents and family members.

“Goodwin House Bailey’s Crossroads is grateful to the Fairfax County Health Department for their partnership and for sharing the advanced education and best practices necessary to provide optimal care to older adults in Northern Virginia,” said Karen Doyle, Associate Executive Director, Goodwin House Bailey’s Crossroads. “We look forward to working with SASS to receive resources, education and support in the implementation of this vital initiative and to build on excellence in our prevention practices.”

Antimicrobial resistance happens when germs such as bacteria and fungi evolve to develop resistance to the drugs designed to kill them. Resistant infections can be difficult, and sometimes impossible, to treat. Stewardship within a senior living community advises proper antibiotic and antifungal use to slow the development of resistance and improve outcomes for residents. It also prevents both the development of antimicrobial resistant bacteria and the replacement of normal bacteria with those that cause infections. This work is essential to maintaining healthy environments, especially for immunocompromised or vulnerable populations.

“We appreciate Goodwin House Bailey’s Crossroads’ collaboration and its commitment to reducing the spread and impacts of antimicrobial resistance,” said Dr. Ben Schwartz, SASS Program Director at the Fairfax County Health Department. “Optimal use of antibiotics protects residents from experiencing side effects from unnecessary medications and reduces the chance of infection with a resistant germ. We look forward to continuing to work with Goodwin House Bailey’s Crossroads to ensure the best quality care for residents.”

The SASS program is a collaboration between the Fairfax County Health Department and the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) to improve antimicrobial use practices at Fairfax County skilled nursing facilities. Funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the program will last up to two years and is expected to run through July 2024, though may be extended into 2025.

In addition to receiving the highest ratings by U.S. News & World Report’s “Best Nursing Homes” list for 2023-24 for short-term and long-term care, Goodwin House Bailey’s Crossroads has received 5-star Medicare ratings for the past five consecutive years. Participation in the SASS program is another example of Goodwin Living’s commitment to excellence in care for older adults and those who serve them.

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About Goodwin Living™ (GoodwinLiving.org):  Goodwin Living™ touches the lives of thousands of people every day through its range of senior living communities, specialized healthcare services, community partnerships and philanthropic endeavors. With a mission to support, honor and uplift the lives of others (specifically older adults and those who care for them), Goodwin Living leads the way in expanding the places and ways we can all thrive and find purpose as we age. Older adults will discover options that meet them where they want to be, and those options are managed and provided by team members who represent more than 65 countries. Goodwin Living has been a Washington Post Top Workplace for five consecutive years and was named the #1 Top Workplace for 2023. Get more information at GoodwinLiving.org or by following Goodwin Living on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.