Conference Program/Sessions

In 2024, the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) was awarded a U.S. EPA grant to work with a handful of long-term care facilities in Maryland, with the intention of encouraging the use of Safer Choice certified product in their facilities. Overuse of chemicals and lack of training of frontline environmental services and maintenance workers has led to poor indoor air quality and adverse health impacts for workers and residents living within extended care settings. The scope of the grant program includes staff and resident training/education as well as the development of policies and procedures, including procurement, to increase the use of safer and more sustainable chemicals and products for cleaning, disinfection, and maintenance. Upon completion of the grant program, a final toolkit, including training and policy and procedure templates will be developed and made available to the long-term care industry throughout Maryland.