Charles H. Hennekens, M.D., Dr.P.H., today received the Fries Prize for Improving Health for his first discoveries of the lifesaving benefits of aspirin.

More than 150,000 patients have been notified of potential exposure to hepatitis and HIV due to unsafe injection practices in U.S. healthcare settings since 2001. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, medical injections are an overlooked source of infections and outbreaks.

Every day, one out of 20 hospitalized patients has an infection caused by medical care. Healthcare-associated infections are costly to businesses and are potentially lethal to employees. CDC plays a vital role in helping businesses safeguard their workforces from infections.

The grants will enable CDC to work in collaboration with partners to advance the implementation of meningitis and rotavirus vaccines, ensuring global disease protection.

As the sole entity authorized by Congress to raise funds on behalf of CDC, the CDC Foundation builds strategic public-private partnerships between CDC and corporations, foundations, organizations and individuals to advance CDC’s work to protect people from health and safety threats.

In conjunction with International Infection Prevention Week, the CDC Foundation is launching an enhanced website for www.preventcancerinfections.org, an evidence-based, interactive resource targeted to assessing a cancer patient’s risk for developing a low white blood cell count and subsequent infections from chemotherapy.

For the seventh year in a row, the CDC Foundation earned a 4-star rating for sound fiscal management and commitment to accountability and transparency from Charity Navigator.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) plays a vital role in helping businesses prepare for and respond to public health emergencies. In the first of a new series of quarterly business features, CDC’s connection with business and public health preparedness and response is highlighted, coinciding with September’s National Preparedness Month.

Raymond J. Baxter, Ph.D., has been elected to the board of directors of the CDC Foundation. Baxter is Kaiser Permanente’s senior vice president for community benefit, research and health policy.